Deb Leary has become only the third female president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) in its 208-year history and pledged to put the region’s interests “front and centre”.
Her two-year term as successor to Steve Allen was confirmed at the GBCC annual meeting at the Radisson Blu in Birmingham city centre where chief financial officer Helen Bates reported an income for 2020-2021 of £5.5 million, generating a surplus after tax of £80,000.
Deb is chief executive of Forensic Pathways an international consultancy and technology design company specialising in the development of innovative technologies and services in the threat intelligence and forensic arena. In 2020 the Company launched its threat intelligence brand Clarifyi.com focussed on cyber and reputation management.
She said: “Being Birmingham born and bred, I am incredibly honoured to have been elected as the new president, even more so as only the third woman in the 208-year history of the Chamber to hold this position.
“I should like to extend my own personal thanks to Steve Allen who has helped steer the Chamber through challenging times and I am committed to continuing one of his themes, that of innovation. As CEO of Forensic Pathways for the past 20 years, I know the importance of continued innovation and its impact on growth. Innovation brings increased opportunities for collaboration and positive social impact regionally, nationally and internationally.
“The past two years have been a test of our resilience and commitment. Brexit and the pandemic have shown how globally connected and reliant we are and whilst this brings challenges it also brings opportunity. The pandemic has highlighted the brilliance of collaboration and innovation and the acknowledgement that on many aspects we have to come together globally in order to address fundamental challenges.
“Evermore so when we look at the challenges associated with COP26. It is this sense of global trade, innovation and collaboration that is at the heart of my Presidency.
“It is about putting Greater Birmingham front and centre. It’s about not only reaching out but also showcasing what the region represents and with the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, the timing is perfect to focus on the best of what Greater Birmingham has to offer.
“The challenges we have are global, whether it is climate change, or security threats through our increased connectivity. As a Chamber we have a focus on environmental challenges and sustainability and as a region we have a growth in companies in the digital space, including security/cyber/medical many focussed on the development of innovative technologies for the national and global market.
“Through our companies and world class universities we have the best of the best with the power to innovate and collaborate and develop international connections and trade. My Presidency will be about continuing to shine a light on its members and the Greater Birmingham brand as a whole, to challenge, when challenge is needed and to celebrate loudly on our successes.
“The role as president brings with it the ability to nominate a charity for the duration of the presidency. As well as continuing to support charities such as Midland Met Hospital and Air Ambulance, my personal nominated charity for the duration of my presidency will be Pans Pandas UK.
“Pans and Pandas are medical conditions which present primarily with symptoms such as OCD, eating restrictions, anxiety and behavioural regression. These conditions are caused by a misdirected immune response to a common infection such as strep throat or chickenpox.
“Many affected children are unable to attend school and parents are left having to give up the jobs and businesses to care for them. These conditions rob children of their childhood and the ability to function normally.
“The symptoms are severe and can appear virtually overnight. Awareness amongst medical professionals is poor, yet something as simple as routine antibiotics or anti-inflammatory treatments can resolve the symptoms if caught early enough.
“Unfortunately, many children are misdiagnosed. Researchers estimate that one in 200 children may be affected.
“PANS PANDAS UK are a charity established in 2018 to support families affected by these life changing conditions and offer education to medical professionals and schools. The charity currently supports 4,500 families. My family is one of them.
“It just leaves me to say I thank you for your support in appointing me as your president. I am incredibly proud of the Chamber and of this region and that I very much look forward to working to support you all over the next two years.” Previous female presidents of the GBCC were Bridget Blow (2008) and Christine Braddock (2010).
David Waller, the GBCC’s chairman, said he was sure Deb “would conduct her term of office with the same forensic approach she applies to her business”.
