Debbie Chadwick

Station Director at Heart Hertfordshire Communicorp UK

What do you do?

As Station Director, I lead the commercial and content strategy for Heart Hertfordshire. My focus is on building real connections: growing audience engagement and helping local businesses cut through the noise with creative and trusted advertising solutions. Radio is all about being present in people’s lives, and that’s what we deliver every day for our listeners and clients.

Who do you work for?

I work for Communicorp UK, home to some of the most exciting brands in UK radio. We operate some of the country’s biggest commercial radio brands, but what we’re most passionate about is local impact. We help local businesses grow through smart, high-impact campaigns that connect in a way that feels authentic, familiar and relevant.

Why did you join the Chamber?

Joining the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce was a natural step. It is a brilliant way to build closer ties with the business community and to celebrate the role local media can play in helping businesses thrive. It gives us a platform to support, collaborate and learn from organisations right across the region.

How has it helped your business network?

The Chamber has opened doors to valuable new partnerships and helped us connect with a wider network of ambitious, like-minded organisations. It has been a fantastic way to further strengthen our local presence and understand the needs and ambitions of the businesses around us.

What advice would you give someone starting out?

Surround yourself with people who support you but also challenge you. Be clear on what you stand for, listen more than you speak, and stay curious. The best relationships – whether with customers, clients, or teams – are built on trust, consistency and being genuinely interested in learning and improving.

What do you think is the biggest challenge affecting running and growing a business?

The biggest challenge is often visibility: how to stand out in a crowded and competitive marketplace. There are so many messages competing for attention and businesses need trusted ways to connect that actually cut through.

Radio is incredibly effective. It is not only more affordable than many assume, but it also delivers strong returns. On average, for every £1 spent on radio advertising, brands see £7 in return. That kind of impact makes a real difference. Helping businesses understand the true value and reach of radio is key to helping them grow.

The Chamber has opened doors to valuable new partnerships and helped us connect with a wider network of ambitious, like-minded organisations.

What support do you want from government?

We’d like to see more targeted support for SMEs in key areas like digital innovation, marketing and skills development. These are vital for sustainable business growth and staying competitive.

More broadly, a stable and supportive environment for the media industry is essential. Government investment in broadcasting infrastructure helps ensure we can continue reaching listeners effectively. Support for local journalism is equally important, keeping communities informed and engaged strengthens the value of local media and enhances the impact of platforms like Heart in our communities.

How confident are you your business will grow in the next year?

Very confident. We’re seeing strong momentum both from our work with local businesses and through the strength of the Heart brand. With our standout national shows like Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden and our Drive show with JK and Kelly Brook, we offer local businesses the opportunity to shine on a national brand delivered with a local voice.

This year’s Heart Hertfordshire Hero Awards was our best yet - a true celebration of local people and charities, giving them a platform and a voice. On the back of this success, I’m excited to launch a new campaign called One Hertfordshire - so watch this space! We’re here to support our people and be a positive force in our community.