Pictured above: Business Person of the Year - Rod
Embley, Embley Business Units, with Jane Jackson, Director of
Solihull Chamber of Commerce and David Stevens, Vice President of
Solihull Chamber of Commerce
A leading Solihull businessman had the shock of his life when he
attended a special awards ceremony.
Rod Embley of Embley Business Units thought he was presenting a
prize at the Solihull Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Year
awards but the tables were turned on him when Chamber Director Jane
Jackson announced that Mr. Embley was the recipient of the Solihull
Business Person of the Year award.
Ms Jackson said: "Mr. Embley is a real inspiration, recently
celebrating his 70th birthday, yet still a keen racquet ball
player. As a firm believer in giving something back to the
community, he started the Olton in Bloom project. His
business tenants quote him as being flexible and accommodating."
Business Person of the Year award was sponsored by
Arup.
Among the speakers was Solihull Chamber president Paul Thandi,
chief executive of the NEC Group and Kate Hall of Arup and
Partners.
Other winners included Caroline Kelley, Conference & Events
Guest Relations Manager at Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel who
won the award of Customer Care which was sponsored by flybe.
Professional Development award was won by Charles Wheatcroft,
Costs Draftsman at Sydney Mitchell Solicitors. The award was
sponsored by Ardencote Manor Hotel Country Club &
Spa.
Winner of the Career Advancement award was Kevin Green,
Reception Manager at Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The award was
sponsored by Jaguar Land Rover.
Richard Lockstone, Leisure Club Manager at Village Hotel was
presented with outstanding employee award by Gokhan Gundogdu of
Turkish Airlines.