Chamber appoints new president
SOLIHULL Chamber of Commerce has appointed a new president.
Tony Elvin, who is general manager of the town’s Touchwood shopping centre, has taken over the role from Robert Elliot who served as president for two years.
Mr Elvin also runs The Wine Events Company, is a champion for charity Cure Leukaemia, trustee for Birmingham Civic Society and deputy chairman of Solihull Business Improvement District.
Before joining Touchwood, he served for six years as general manager of Hotel du Vin in Birmingham city centre.
Eileen Schofield, employment lawyer and principal at Schofield and Associates, was also appointed as vice-president of the chamber during its annual meeting.
It is the second senior chamber role that she currently holds, alongside her vice-presidential role at the Greater Birmingham Transatlantic Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Elvin said: “I am very excited at the opportunity to pick up the baton from Robert Elliot as the next president.
“Robert has held this position with care, sincerity, good humour and commitment. All values that I hope to emulate during my tenure.
“I am also very keen to continue Robert’s good work bringing business and education together, to provide work inspiration for our young people.
“With the arrival of HS2 and the redevelopment of Solihull town centre on the horizon, we have much to be excited for but it won’t be plain sailing in the meantime.
“Brexit and a recovery from the global pandemic ensure us of some choppy waters ahead but it is at
times like these that we need the support of our chambers and I look forward to doing what I can, with my team, to help those businesses in need around us.”
Mr Elliot added: “It has been an honour to serve our chamber members as president.
“In handing office to Tony, I wish him the very best of luck, strength and good health.
“Tony has been a champion of Solihull and indeed our region for many years.
“I could not be prouder to be passing the chamber presidency to him.”