Meet the Team

Black Country Chamber Chairman

Bankie Williams MA, MBA

Vistage UK

Bankie was appointed as Chairman of Black Country Chamber of Commerce in May 2018. 

Prior to Bankie's commercial career, he served in HM Forces for seventeen years. 

He has had a successful career holding a number of senior executive roles with P&L responsibility across Corporate, SME and Family Enterprise businesses. 

A qualified and experienced Senior Executive Coach, Bankie currently chairs our Platinum Service Sector Groups. 

Black Country Chamber President

Jude Thompson

CSCM IT Solutions

Jude has been Managing Director at CSCM I.T. Solutions based in Oldbury for nearly 21 years and has a vast business and IT sector knowledge working with companies all over the world.

Passionate about the local community he regularly gives up his time to attend local community events and has been a mentor for various schools and colleges throughout the region for many years.

A long term member of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, Jude is also heavily involved in other local business groups. He is a Rotarian for Halesowen and Rowley Regis and also a member of BNI Apollo, a business network group where he has been a member for over 10 years.

Jude also co-hosts a Fish and Chip Fry day networking event which is held at Hagley Golf and Country Club every other month.

As a sponsor Jude is associated with multiple charities where he regularly raises money for causes close to his heart.

Black Country Chamber Vice President

Geoff Layer

University of Wolverhampton

Geoff has been the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton since August 2011. He was previously Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bradford, and has also worked in universities in Luton and Sheffield.

He chairs the University of Wolverhampton Science Park Board and is a member of the Black Country LEP, as well as a number of local groups.  

Geoff has strategic leadership responsibility for the delivery of the University’s initiative to generate £250m of investment in economic growth in the region. In addition, he is a Board Member of the Equality Challenge Unit.

Ali Allibhai

Autobase Citroen

As the Director of Autobase Citroen & MG, Ali has over 15 years of experience in business across the globe in multiple sectors, demographics and various segments. In April of 2019, Autobase partnered with MG to launch their second dealership. 

Since Ali joined the Chamber, Ali has been involved in a number of strategic groups to help members throughout the region. In addition, he is a board member and governor of Walsall Adult and Community College, as well as being a board member of the Walsall Economic Board.

David Roberts

Wolverhampton Racecourse

David has been Managing Director of Wolverhampton Racecourse since 1999, part of The Arena Racing Company.

David's 42-year career has been in Hotels, Restaurants and Holiday centres in various parts of the country, but he has been in the Black Country for the last 20 years and has continuously been a member and Patron of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce. 

Jo Smith

Fortress Interlocks

Jo is the Managing Director of Fortress Interlocks, a rapidly growing SME based in Wolverhampton. 

Prior to the role at Fortress four years ago, Jo spent most of her career in manufacturing businesses within the Aerospace industry and her career has included key leadership positions within Finance, Operations and General Management.

Sarah Moorhouse

BCRS Business Loans

Sarah is Operations & Marketing Director of Black Country based business, BCRS Business Loans. She is on a mission, along with her colleagues, to leave no viable West Midlands based business unsupported.

As an Executive Director and member of the Senior Leadership Team at BCRS where her main duties include developing, implementing  and delivering the strategic direction of the organisation, Sarah plays a vital function in ensuring the day-to-day operations of the business runs smoothly by making it her key objective to put effective methods in place so that BCRS runs to maximum productivity and creates the desired outputs.

Within her Marketing remit Sarah develops highly effective marketing campaigns. Brilliantly targeting ideal customers. Making it all happen on time and under or just on budget! 

Simon Bond

Bond Legal

Simon has considerable experience in advising managers and directors at all levels on a broad range of employment and HR issues, with particular expertise in providing advice on business restructures and on the termination of employment of senior executives.

Simon is a member of the Employment Law Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales and sits as a Legally Qualified Chair of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal. 

Jatinder Sharma, OBE

Walsall College

A qualified accountant and a highly experienced leader, Jatinder is Principal and Chief Executive of Walsall College, having previously held a number of senior positions in both the private and public sectors.

Before entering into Further Education, Jatinder worked and qualified as an accountant in public practice before joining the logistics sector.