CEO, altruist, mentor, and passionate advocate of his hometown Birmingham, Sunny Gill is hoping ‘Birmingham Young Professional of the Year’ will be the next title to add to his long list of achievements. The marketing entrepreneur, who founded the multi-disciplinary digital marketing and video production agency, Silver Mountain, in 2016, has been announced as a finalist for the prestigious accolade. Sunny has been listed alongside 16 other impressive young professionals in the city and is proud to be one of only two finalists who are representing a company they founded at the awards.
Now in its 18th year, Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) has been established as one of the most respected accolades in the Midlands’ business community. Sunny was chosen as a finalist by a panel of judges, chaired by West Midlands Combined Authority Chief Executive, Deborah Cadman OBE. Recognised for his outstanding achievements in the marketing and communications sector, he has built a one-stop business that encompasses key marketing and video services to support companies and marketing professionals.
Having founded it with zero investment just under two years ago, Silver Mountain has organically grown into a recognised agency across the West Midlands. Silver Mountain is now a six-strong team, working with regional, national, and international clients spanning a range of sectors including professional services, utilities, charity, healthcare, property, food and beverage, hospitality, and fashion. Amongst these are the likes of industry giants EY, UBS Bank, Clinical Therapy Group, and Project Controls Expo.
Speaking about the nomination and the journey so far, Sunny commented:
“Silver Mountain went from an idea to a reality; this is by far the highlight of my career. I’m incredibly proud to be a born and bred Brummie, and I’ve seen and experienced first-hand the wealth of opportunities that this great city provides. To be a finalist alongside so many other professionals that I respect and admire in Birmingham is truly an honour.”
In addition to his impressive career to date, Sunny’s altruistic accomplishments contributed to his recognition as an exceptional individual. Not only does he volunteer with charities and support a number of pro-bono projects; he is also an ambassador of LoveBrum, a charity supporting hidden gem projects across Birmingham and also holds an advisory role with The Asian Sports Foundation, a UK-based NGO, campaigning for equality and inclusion for Asian communities in sport.
“I feel it is our duty to give back to those around us, whether that contribution be money, time, or skills. My career accomplishments and the success of Silver Mountain so far have all been as a result of the support this city has offered me, and I strongly believe in repaying that so that others can thrive too. CSR should be about all of us doing as much as we can to help make our communities stronger together,” commented Sunny.
Looking ahead, Sunny sees his nomination as an opportunity to continue advocating for Birmingham, creating opportunities for those within it and championing it to those outside. He adds:
“Birmingham has so much to offer and it thrives on the passion of its people and the diversity within it. My vision over the coming years is to scale up Silver Mountain, not only forming a business that succeeds but one that serves as a platform to amplify the voices of those here. I’m loyal to Birmingham, and as we grow, I want to create local jobs, accessible services and advice, as well as greater support for those beyond the immediate city centre. This great city deserves a place on the world stage and I intend to do my part to make that happen.”
Ian Barnes, International Tax Partner at Deloitte and Chair of BPS Birmingham; Dr. David Hardman, CEO of Innovation Birmingham and recipient of last year’s ‘Inspiring Leader’ award; Victoria Ball, Senior Associate at Trowers & Hamlins and Chair of BPS Birmingham Future; and Michael Parker, Associate Director at Gleeds and winner of BYPY 2017. The BYPY awards take place on Thursday 24 May.
One of the city’s most prestigious awards ceremonies, BYPY recognises and celebrates talented individuals aged 35 and under from within Birmingham’s professional services sector. Awards span six categories: finance, HR, legal, marketing and communications, property and construction, and technology; with one candidate being named ‘Birmingham’s Young Professional of the Year.’
