The process to replace Paul Faulkner as chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has been launched.
SF Recruitment is handling the search following Mr Faulkner’s decision to take up a position with the Richardson family. The closing date for applications is February 12 with first interviews expected to take place in the week beginning February 22 and second interviews in the week of March 1.
The GBCC said a recruitment committee had been appointed and that it would be seeking an “outstanding CEO to take the Chamber forward”. Interested people should in the first instance send their CVs to SF’s Matt Burling at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Chair David Waller (pictured) said: “Over the past few years, the GBCC have, under Paul, focussed on building up a balanced portfolio of activity. The Chamber’s financial position is strong and was augmented in 2020 with the sale of its leasehold building.
“There is an experienced and settled leadership team in place and the Chamber is now the premier business representative organisation in the region. With the departure of Paul the board is now looking for an outstanding CEO to take the Chamber forward. This is a great opportunity for the right person to join the Chamber team and lead it in the period ahead.”
SF will be launching a high-level visual advertisement with details of the role. It states that the successful individual will:
· Understand the local and regional economy
· Have hands-on experience in a business environment and understand issues facing
business of all scales and sizes
· Have excellent interpersonal skills
· Be an effective communicator and confident public speaker
· Be politically astute and have a general interest in policy and current affairs
Job role:
· Leadership of the Chamber team
· Report to the chairman and the board
· Stakeholder engagement across the city region
· Engagement with patron and high-value memberships
· Representation of the Chamber at regional level with WMCA, West Midlands Mayor,
West Midlands Chambers of Commerce, GBSLEP
· Represent the region nationally with British Chambers of Commerce, and on regional
priorities (eg HS2)
It adds details of the GBCC, an independent B2B business support agency and consultancy in the West Midlands. It was established over 200 years ago and is a commercial (but not for profit) organisation, with a turnover of around £7 million, employing 90 staff. The group comprises six geographic Chambers, covering Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Burton & District as well as the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (formed over 30 years ago), Transatlantic and Commonwealth Chambers, and Future Faces Chamber of Commerce for young professionals from all sectors.
The Chamber’s mission is to Connect, Support & Grow business across Greater Birmingham and its diverse services to members and other businesses include: Research and campaigning (including Brexit and Covid support); membership, networking and events, International Business Hub (including export documentation and translations) and training.