On board with Claire Davies

Deputy Chair of the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce

Tell us a bit about yourself and your professional journey. What led you to this point in your career?

I’ve spent over 25 years in marketing and strategic leadership, working across sectors from housing and construction to digital services. My passion for marketing began when I did a year placement at Alfred McAlpine as part of my degree, where I quickly learnt the value of aligning the art of communication and brand strategy with wider business objectives. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of working with some remarkable organisations, including the National Trust, Alfred McAlpine Plc, Carillion, and the University of Liverpool, each offering unique challenges and opportunities that shaped my strategic approach.

Over the years, I’ve led marketing teams, driven major business transformation projects, and even founded my own marketing agency, managing multiple client accounts simultaneously and delivering measurable growth. More recently, I’ve focused on sustainability projects, community engagement, and digital innovation. Each step of my journey has been about helping organisations grow through people, brands, and innovation; which naturally led me to leadership and governance roles where I can influence long-term strategy as well as day-to-day delivery.

As a member of the Board of Directors, what does your role entail?

As Deputy Chair of the West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce, my role is to support the strategic direction of the organisation while ensuring we deliver tangible value to our members. This involves governance responsibilities, representing the Chamber externally, and providing strategic guidance along with the wider NED team.

I’m also actively involved in initiatives that strengthen member engagement, ensuring that the voice of the business community shapes our priorities. It’s an exciting time for the Chamber and its members, with new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth, and I’m committed to helping make the most of them. For me, it’s about balancing oversight with advocacy so that the Chamber remains both sustainable and impactful.

How do you see the organisation evolving in the next few years, and what role do you hope to play in that growth?

I see the Chamber continuing to grow as a central voice for businesses, with an even stronger focus on digital connectivity, sustainability, and crossborder collaboration between England and Wales. We have an opportunity to diversify our services, create more dynamic networking platforms, and represent members’ interests on a bigger stage, something that Sarah and her team are continuously delivering.

I also want to continue championing our Young Chamber initiative, which works to inspire the future ambition of children and young adults across the region. By connecting them with local businesses and opportunities, we can help develop the next generation of talent, leaders, and entrepreneurs.

I hope to contribute by championing innovation and ensuring our strategy turns ambition into actionable plans that deliver measurable benefits. My role, along with fellow board members, will be to help guide the big-picture vision with practical, results-driven implementation.

What advice would you give to aspiring professionals who one day hope to take on leadership roles like yours?

First, build breadth as well as depth. Be brilliant in your area of expertise, and in regard to marketing, also learn how it connects to finance, operations, people, and strategy. Second, invest in relationships. Leadership is about influence, and influence comes from trust and credibility. Third, be willing to step outside your comfort zone; the best opportunities are often the ones that feel a little daunting.

Never stop learning. Industries evolve quickly, and staying relevant is a responsibility, not an option. Finally, do what you love. When your work aligns with your passion, it shows, and your skills naturally become more effective because you’re truly invested in the outcome.

Beyond your work on the board, what are your passions or interests outside of the professional sphere?

I’m happiest outdoors. I love long walks with my Springer Spaniel, though I’m still not entirely sure who’s walking who; and I spend a fair amount of time on the water, either paddleboarding or attempting to surf, with heavy emphasis on ‘attempting’.

I’m also a big believer in keeping my brain as active. This year, I’ve taken AI courses and refreshed a few marketing skills. It’s too easy to get complacent, and it’s empowering to learn something new or to remind yourself you do know your stuff! Family and friends are everything to me, and I think fun is just as important. There’s nothing better than laughing with friends and family; it’s the best stress-buster I know.

Never stop learning. Industries evolve quickly, and staying relevant is a responsibility, not an option.