A former weekly editor has taken the reins as the new president of his local Chamber of Commerce.

Gary Phelps edited nine titles in his career including the Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer – his home town paper.

Now he has become president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, which helps promote business in the town.

Gary, pictured, also edited the Tamworth Herald, Lichfield Mercury and Nuneaton News in the course of his 30-year media career.

He now runs his own media consultancy Gary Phelps Communications, which specialises in education, charity, industry and public affairs. He was named as the Chamber’s new president at its AGM on Monday.

Said Gary: “Sutton Coldfield is a special place – you could even call it unique.

“Why? Because there are two Sutton Coldfields – the up-market suburb of the UK’s Second City, and the ancient Tudor town which retains a bit of a stubborn independent streak.

“Add to that its reputation as a desirable place to live, married with its truly unusual status as a ‘Royal Town’ and it’s clear that Sutton has a USP that other places might envy, along with serious business pedigree.

“But, while Sutton is a great place to do business, firms here are facing the same challenges found elsewhere – from rising costs and skills gaps to the impact of online commerce.

“That’s why the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce is so valuable to the business community.”