Black Country Chamber recruits Birmingham Airport and Paycare as patrons

THE Black Country Chamber of Commerce has recruited two new high profile patron members – Birmingham Airport and Paycare.

Margaret Corneby, chief executive of Black Country Chamber of Commerce said: “I am delighted to welcome our two new patrons. Our patrons play a key role in advancing the prosperity of the area. Birmingham Airport and Paycare are both businesses that can deliver valuable services and assist growth for our members in the Black Country.”

Paul Kehoe, Birmingham Airport’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to be joining the Black Country Chamber as patrons. We want to work with chamber members to make sure support for local international gateways is heard by Government. We are going to be working with the chamber to show the benefits of using Birmingham as an alternative to other airports to fly for business.”

Paycare’s roots run deep in the Black Country and began in 1874 when a group of factory foremen from the largest factories in Wolverhampton founded Patients’ Aid Association, later to become Paycare. This pioneering action to protect workers’ health and well-being in the days before the National Health Service quickly established itself and the principles spread throughout the country.

Paycare is a ‘not for profit’ organisation. Any surplus generated is divided between improving the service for its policyholders and supporting charitable requests, through the Paycare Charity Trust.

Kevin Rogers, chief executive of Paycare said: “We are pleased and proud to be working closely with the chamber and we look forward to playing an active role in supporting business success in the Black Country.

“We are proud of our heritage and, during our 140th anniversary this year, we have the opportunity to celebrate the great strides we have made and look forward to continuing to help individuals and companies stay healthy and competitive.”