Gary’s “Mr Vice-President” title

Top team: Gary Phelps, Phil Arkinstall, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Henrietta Brealey and Naeem Arif

An award-winning journalist and former newspaper editor has become a vice-president of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce.

Gary Phelps, who grew up in the town and went on to become the editor of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, was named as the Chamber’s new vice-president at an Annual General Meeting.

He will support fellow vice-president Naeem Arif and president Phil Arkinstall.

Mr Phelps has worked in the media for more than 30 years and has edited nine newspapers – including the Tamworth Herald, Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, Lichfield Mercury and Nuneaton News.

He now runs PR agency Gary Phelps Communications, with clients including West Midlands mayor Andy Street, industrial innovators Power Minerals Ltd, German energy giant STEAG and dozens of local schools including the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership.

Mr Phelps said: “As someone who grew up in Sutton and has been involved in the business community here for more than 30 years, it’s a real honour to become vice-president of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce.

“The Chamber is run by a great team, and In particular I’m looking forward to building on the work we have done supporting young people locally over the last couple of years, providing a link between commerce and education and helping to inspire the next generation of business people.”