Employment lawyer becomes Chamber’s new President
The head of the Employment Law team of Midlands firm Sydney Mitchell has been announced as the new President of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, the largest regional division of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce.
Emma-Louise Hewitt, Partner and Head of Sydney Mitchell’s Employment Department since September 2018, takes over the Chamber’s Presidency on 20 March 2025 from outgoing President Eileen Schofield.
An accomplished and experienced employment lawyer, and ranked as a next-generation partner in the Legal 500 directory, Emma-Louise provides legal services to employees and employers across sectors including automotive, professional services, and hospitality. She advises on the vast range of employment law in a range of areas including contracts, handbooks and policies, tribunal claims, workplace discrimination, and reorganisation and redundancy procedures. She also delivers workplace training and day-to-day legal and HR advice to business owners, managers and HR advisors.
Her professional excellence has been recognised by several awards including finalist in the category of Future Leader at the Solihull Chamber Awards in 2023, Partner of the Year in the 2024 Birmingham Law Society Awards, finalist in the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Future Faces Awards 2017, received a Commendation for the Women who Achieve in Business 2017 and a nomination for an award in the Networking Mummies National Recognised Business Awards.
An active networker within the Borough of Solihull, Emma-Louise is passionate about building relationships and being part of a wider community. She has been a member of the Solihull Chamber for 15 years, part of the committee for the last five years and its Vice President for the past two years, utilising the roles to drive change, promote engagement, encourage work inspiration amongst businesses for the next generation, as well as supporting both the Chamber and its members.
On becoming President of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, Emma-Louise says: “I am extremely honoured to be taking on the role of President of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce for the next two years. I am especially looking forward to working alongside Samantha Frampton, Head of Solihull Chamber, as we continue to strive to create an environment that fosters growth, innovation and collaboration among our members.
“I follow a long line of great Solihull Chambers Presidents, and I would like to thank each and every one of them for all they have done. A special thanks goes to Elieen Schofield, our outgoing President, who has worked tirelessly in successfully bringing our members together, and who has highlighted some of the issues facing our members, including transport and connectivity between the north and south of the borough.
“I am inspired by the unique contributions each President has made and I’m eager to bring my own fresh perspectives and initiatives to the role. Alongside, I remain committed to driving change, promoting engagement, and supporting the Chamber, local people and businesses, whilst encouraging work inspiration amongst businesses for the next generation.”
Samantha Frampton, head of Solihull Chamber of Commerce, adds: “I am excited to welcome and work alongside Emma as the new Solihull Chamber of Commerce President. I have had the pleasure of knowing Emma over the last 5 years as a Chamber member and as a member of the Solihull Chamber executive committee. I know Emma will do an amazing job and be a great advocate for Solihull Chamber and our members.”
