New president Paul Bassi set to shake up Birmingham Chamber of Commerce

Oct 15 2009 by Anna Blackaby, Birmingham Post

Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s first Asian president has launched his year in office by outlining a vision to shake up the way the Chamber does business.

Midland property investor Paul Bassi has taken over the reins from Bridget Blow, who last year became the Chamber’s first woman president.

On taking up the position, Mr Bassi said he believed firmly that the Chamber’s role is even more important in the current difficult economic climate.

“I am greatly looking forward to expanding on the outstanding quality, commitment and dedication of the Chamber staff, particularly in the difficult operating climate,” he said.

“The world is still full of opportunity and it is the Chamber’s role to assist its membership to access those opportunities as a route to overcoming these challenging times.”

Mr Bassi has outlined a mission during his term of office which includes refocusing the Chamber’s approach to its activities. He mooted the prospect of mergers between chambers within the region as they attempt to face down the difficult economic climate.

He said: “Before we can represent business, we have to be a good business ourselves and in order to achieve that, we will drive harder the fresh approach we are taking to our activities.

“To become a good business, the commercial engine of the Chamber needs revisiting in order to give its members added value. By doing this and staging the role as a broker, we can deliver activities that are in the best interests of members.

“I believe the Chamber is the invisible catalyst of Birmingham. We do so much to bring together various elements on key issues, like the redevelopment of New Street Station, the extension of the runway at Birmingham International Airport and the high-speed rail link between the West Midlands and London.

“The business community should more readily recognise the Chamber’s involvement and it’s up to the Chamber to communicate its contribution to members and non-members.