Commonwealth Greater Birmingham


Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce Contact: Jamila Davis T: 0845 6036650


New vice-president aims to build opportunities for members


By Jessica Brookes T


he Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce has appointed a new vice-president, Birmingham businessman Joel Blake.


Mr Blake is co-founder of venture capital firm


The Ark, fintech start-up The GFA Exchange, leadership diversity firm Cultiv8 Solutions, and is also a board trustee for Town Hall Symphony Hall’s Performances Birmingham. He has also created the ‘Regional Scale Up


Business’ strategy for the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and was handed an OBE for services to business support and enterprise in the Queens 90th Birthday Honours List in 2016.


‘I aim to bring a digital, entrepreneurial and inclusion- focused perspective’


He said: “I am really delighted to be vice-


president of the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, adding value to such an organisation. “I aim to bring a digital, entrepreneurial and


inclusion-focused perspective, which will help further the Chamber’s aim of connecting businesses to the plethora of opportunities in Commonwealth countries. For me, connecting businesses and different communities, and providing a personalised level of support is really crucial in the pursuit of helping businesses grow and reach new markets. The Commonwealth Chamber is in the great position to aid businesses in this way, by continuing to be innovative and think outside the box for businesses.” Commonwealth Chamber president Keith


Stokes-Smith said: “I am delighted to welcome Joel as vice-president of GBCCC at a time when


New role for Joel: (front from left) Keith Stokes-Smith with Joel Blake and Chamber international director Mandy Haque, and Commonwealth Chamber business development, relationship management and marketing and events staff (rear from left) Jamila Davis, Jim Bourne and Lauren Hunt


opportunities to trade with Commonwealth colleagues are better than ever. “The GBCCC is, to our knowledge, unique in


being the only Commonwealth-focused Chamber in the UK and we certainly intend to devote all our time, effort, and initiative, in moving it forward, for the benefit of our members, and the West Midlands generally supported by the


exceptional team of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Joel has an exceptional CV, adding creativity, knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm, to a much overlooked sector.” GBCCC has more than 100 members, and


exists to offer an international gateway for firms wishing to develop trading links with Commonwealth countries.


Commonwealth Chamber Patron


November 2019 CHAMBERLINK 45


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