April 2023
Acclaimed Birmingham business leader brings expertise to benefit students
By Melanie Hall
Share post:Read time: approx 1 mins
A young leadership winner dedicated to creating opportunities for the region is now bringing her expertise to University College Birmingham.
Henrietta Brealey, who recently won at The West Midlands Leadership Awards, has joined the Corporation that steers the University’s policies and its strategic direction.
The dynamic leader is accustomed to breaking new ground. Henrietta became the youngest chief executive in the history of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in 2021 at the age of just 30, following acclaimed campaigns around Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I’m looking forward to working even more closely with an institution that is so focused on creating opportunities for the city’s young people and making a substantial impact on the local economy"
She was recognised for her work at TheBusinessDesk.com awards in front of 200 business leaders from across the region at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel. The awards, sponsored by Curium Solutions, celebrate people who are role models within their organisations and raise the bar for their competitors.
Henrietta is now concentrating on her new role at University College Birmingham.
![](/media/kecpy1ae/henriettabrealey-image7298e9a21d344b64b5b360f73fcfd9e020230315113023.jpg?rxy=0.49766089281522885,0.2911500570520396&width=540&height=540&format=webp&quality=80&v=1da5f463bee3fb0)
Henrietta won the Young Leader award at the 2023 West Midlands Leadership Awards
“As a passionate advocate for business engagement with education, I’m looking forward to working even more closely with an institution that is so focused on creating opportunities for the city’s young people and making a substantial impact on the local economy,” she said.
In the context of the current economic climate, she said retaining and developing talent was at the front of mind for every employer.
“I am therefore delighted to be joining University College Birmingham’s governing board and building on the existing links between our organisations,” she added.
That theme was echoed by TheBusinessDesk.com’s West Midlands assistant editor, Anna Cooper, who said: “The last few years have revealed that the most successful leaders are those able to adapt.
“Leaders who can navigate the twists and turns of the ever-changing business landscape and forge on through economic uncertainty are vital in this post-pandemic world.”
The Corporation is the University’s governing body and safeguards the good name and values of the University. It is responsible for setting its strategic direction and policies governing all aspects of activity, including finances and assets, and is chaired by Nigel Moss.
Find out more about working in partnership with University College Birmingham and contact our Hired team to discover more about our work with regional businesses to stimulate economic growth and meet the skills gap.
Check out our latest news stories
![](/media/wl4ddhsk/bake-off-professionals-ajay-petra-bharat-john-thumbnail.png?width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1dac942fb497210)
Bakery stars are cream of the crop on Bake Off: The Professionals
Birmingham College of Food has two teams of ex-students on Bake Off: The Professionals this year, with the teams of Ajay and…
Read more![](/media/mhjhxz42/daniel-bennett1_main.jpg?rxy=0.440804522009316,0.4013469595520576&width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1dac19144847100)
Graduate Daniel celebrated in top 30 under 30 rising stars in hospitality
Hospitality graduate Daniel Bennett has been recognised as one of 30 of the industry’s top rising stars under the ag…
Read more![](/media/pepjuqls/construction-students.jpg?rxy=0.493360439709569,0.38828354556657396&width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1dac6ec6b89deb0)
Green Construction Advisory Panel Midlands launches at University
The panel comprises training providers, building services, housing, and construction businesses, and is supported by governme…
Read more![](/media/2kce2xce/warwick-bbq-4.jpg?rxy=0.6492623170053277,0.5481218997752085&width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1dac6f9feac1de0)
University College Birmingham and University of Warwick celebrate partnership
Over 100 students and staff from across University College Birmingham and University of Warwick enjoyed the event…
Read more![](/media/mahbuovq/dk1.jpg?rxy=0.5155216719682082,0.26383574214958755&width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1dac642284e9230)
Blog | Being an LGBTQ+ student celebrating the beautiful month of Pride
The purpose of this blog is to celebrate Pride Month and share my experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community here…
Read more![](/media/pduhnebi/gbsiothubopening1.jpg?width=540&height=304&format=webp&quality=80&v=1da5f4661e380e0)
FE Principal and Dean for STEM makes Top 100 Women in Engineering list
Rosa Wells is a Highly Commended Finalist of the Women's Engineering Society's Top 50 Women in Engineering awards as par…
Read more