Blackett to step down as Chamber chief after nine years

THE chief executive of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce – and one of the West Midlands’ leading business figures – Jerry Blackett has announced he is to step down from his post after nine years.

He plans to depart at the end of June next year and take a ‘gap year’ before deciding on future roles.

Blackett, 58, joined the chamber in 2003 as policy director and led its representational activities before succeeding Sue Battle as chief executive in June, 2006.
 
David Waller, chairman of the GBCC, said: “We wish Jerry all the best in whatever he chooses to do next. He will leave Greater Birmingham Chambers in excellent shape.
 
“Under Jerry’s leadership, the chamber has weathered some of the most disruptive years in our recent history (for example, as government funding for most local business support evaporated) and, like every other business, the difficult years that followed the 2008 recession.
 
“Today, the chamber is in great shape with strong financial foundations and because of the strength of our membership – and in particular, the largest senior membership (Patrons) of any organisation outside of London – we are first-choice choice for local partners wishing to engage meaningfully with the private sector.”
 
He said that under Blackett’s leadership, the chamber group has enjoyed the support of some of the region’s most iconic businesses. The chamber’s Patrons membership now extends to 40 businesses – the largest senior membership of any chamber in the UK.
 
When combined with the 2,700 other members spread across the group, he said the chambers had positioned themselves as the premier voice of local business.
 
Blackett said: “I have been so fortunate to have worked with a fabulous team. The chamber employs some of the most committed and talented people any business could wish for.
 
“It’s humbling to recall that our chambers are now over 200 years old. The history of Greater Birmingham and the local chambers is inextricably linked.
 
“To this day, we continue to partner skilfully with civic, voluntary, education and faith leaders so that between us we build an environment within which all citizens can thrive. The chamber flies a flag for business but none of us can do the job on our own.”
 
Blackett said he had no firm plans on what to do next but intended to “stay busy”.

The hunt for his successor will begin early in the New Year.

Alex Bishop, chair of BPS Birmingham and deputy head of law firm Shoosmiths’ Birmingham office, said: “The announcement that Jerry is stepping down from the Chamber really is the end of an era. He has been the leading spokesman and campaigner for Birmingham’s business community for many, many years.

“On behalf of our members, I want to congratulate him for his work in advocating business issues, taking a lead role in working with the council and other public bodies and for the wide range of charitable activities in which he and the Chamber are involved.

“In particular, I want to thank him for the approach he has taken to working with fellow business representative bodies, such as BPS Birmingham, to ensure all sectors and interests are represented.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with Jerry in the coming months, not least to ensure the promises being made on devolution are followed through beyond the election.”