Last Word

September 2022 marks the end of my 2 year tenure as President of the Chamber of Commerce and when I must step down from the Board of Directors after 6 years of involvement. It has been an honour to represent the Chamber over this period, not least because recent times have emphasised just how important the Chamber network is and continues to be. From the implications of Brexit to a global pandemic and now a cost of living – and in many cases a cost of doing business - crisis, the Chamber has been at the heart of lobbying local and national Government as well as providing advice and support to all its members. Furthermore, what became very clear during the pandemic was how effective the membership network is at supporting one another, sharing best practice and lending an advisory ear when needed. More recently I have worked with the Chamber Policy Team to raise support around employment opportunities for the scores of Ukrainian refugees that are coming to our 2 Counties due to the dreadful situation in their home country. This initiative is something I will continue to back as a Patron Member, along with my involvement in the local skills agenda which is a key pillar of the Chamber’s Business Manifesto. Whilst I would have happily continued as a Board Director, I am also a firm believer that change and different perspectives can offer huge value. In my opinion the fact that the H&W Chamber’s Board is refreshed by a new Director every 2 years is a real asset and why it is one of the best performing Chambers in the UK, often punching above its weight compared to larger Chambers. It is a pleasure to welcome Clive Brooks, MD of ABE (Ledbury) Ltd who will take over as Vice-President from Mark Smith of Lloyds Banking as he steps up to the role of President. All that remains for me to do is wish Clive and Mark the best of luck in their new roles and say a big thank you to the whole Chamber team, in particular Sharon Smith, CEO. It has been fantastic working with Sharon and she has led the Chamber brilliantly through a very challenging time.

It’s with real pleasure that I pick up the reins from Ben, who has been tireless in supporting the Chamber and its members through many months of unchartered territory. I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing him well and we’ll look forward to his ongoing and active support of the Chamber in the coming years. Thank you Ben, you’ve left big shoes to fill! I adopt the Presidency in equally challenging times, with the prospect of supply chain fragility, skills and resourcing challenges and inflationary pressures all presenting hurdles in virtually all commercial sectors…and no crystal ball or magic wand in sight! And yet, the resilience of our businessfolk across the two counties continues to shine through with resourceful tenacity and a keen agility. In my ‘day job’, as a Commercial Relationship Director with Lloyds Banking Group, and after 40 years’ experience in financial services, I’ve come to appreciate that, as we work our way through this tough economic period, now is just the time to deepen and strengthen our links with each other across these two great counties. We’re stronger together, so please make the most of your Chamber; lean in to all the Chamber’s colleagues can do to support you and your team.