Gary Phelps has been a leading media figure in the West Midlands for more than 20 years.
A multi award-winning journalist, he has edited nine newspapers, including the Tamworth Herald, Royal Sutton Coldfield Observer, Lichfield Mercury and Nuneaton News.
As well as having comprehensive knowledge and experience in traditional media forms such as print and broadcast, Gary is a leader in digital and social media communications.
Gary won his first award in 1996, when he was named UK Weekly Reporter of the Year by the Newspaper Society, and most recently was editor of the Tamworth Herald when it scooped Midlands Newspaper of the Year – for two years running – from 2015-2016.
Campaigns launched by Gary have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities, saved vital public services from closure, celebrated local heritage and helped purchase life-saving equipment.
He has appeared on TV and radio on numerous occasions, presented evidence to Government ministers, lobbied on behalf of the media industry and trained dozens of young journalists.
Gary is an Associate Lecturer in Journalism at the University of Derby, and has also advised Wolverhampton College's award-winning Journalism course accredited by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
In 2021, Gary ran comms on Andy Street's successful campaign to be re-elected as Mayor of the West Midlands.
Among his industrial connections, Gary is also Editor-in-Chief of ASHES Magazine, a bi-annual transglobal publication providing a worldwide platform that celebrates innovation in the ashes sector, from coal to biomass to waste to natural ashes.
Gary is also an accomplished author of fiction - his highly-regarded debut novel, 13 Doors, is a supernatural thriller set in the world of newspapers.
A Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Gary is Vice-President of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce.