NEWS
BDO’s Francis Martin appointed President of the British Chambers of Commerce
F
rancis Martin, a Partner in BDO Northern Ireland, has been appointed President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), one of the most powerful and influential business networks in the UK.
his role at BDO Northern Ireland where he continues to practice full time as a Partner.
It is the first time in the BCC’s 156year history that a Northern Ireland business leader has taken the helm of the organisation which represents more than 75,000 organisations and supports over five million employees in the UK.
“This is a crucial time for the UK economy and the role of the Chambers of Commerce has become vital as a result. Businesses in the UK are resilient and innovative, but it is imperative that actions needed to sustain competitive trade and support long-term growth are identified and taken by policymakers.
Francis, who was officially appointed at the BCC’s Annual General Meeting in July, succeeds Nora Senior who stands down after three years in post. He confirmed that in the wake of the Brexit vote, the Chambers would be urging Government to provide stability, clarity and action. “There is an urgent need from Government for swift, decisive and co-ordinated action to stabilise markets and trading conditions,” he said. “We need clarity on the timeframe for key decisions; and we need action, to proactively support the economy at a sensitive time of transition.” Francis, originally from Moy in Co Tyrone, holds more than 20 years’ experience in corporate finance and business strategy development. He was formerly President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was recently awarded Northern Ireland Dealmaker of the Year 2016 through
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His said the Chambers will offer leadership and positive influence for UK businesses during these uncertain times.
He added, “In my tenure as President, I will work with my colleagues and government for the benefit of businesses and communities around the country. The British Chambers of Commerce is a powerful advocate for the business community and has strongly represented the diverse interests of our members for more than 150 years. “Over recent years, it has forged a dynamic Global Business Network that includes more than 20 counties, from Chile to Vietnam. This vehicle has been advantageous for exports and it is right that UK businesses continue to look for new ways to boost trade and establish new linkages. We are ideally placed to help drive this agenda.” A chartered accountant by profession, Francis hold more than 20 years’ experience in corporate, finance and business
strategy development, advising Northern Ireland’s largest organisations as well as SMEs across a broad range of sectors. Peter Burnside, Managing Partner at BDO Northern Ireland congratulated him on the appointment and said: “Francis brings strong leadership and exceptional business acumen to the Chambers. His influence and measured approach in challenging situations has helped our clients and our firm to grow considerably in the last decade. I’m pleased that he will continue to lead our ranks while also sharing his experience and guidance through the BCC. Now is the time for calm and considered thinking across all sectors in the UK and, in Francis, the Chambers have a strategist of the highest calibre at their helm. I wish him every success during his term as President of the British Chambers of Commerce.” Francis was a Board Member of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) between 2009 and 2015 and served as President between 2010 and 2012. Nick Coburn, the current President of the NI Chamber said: “I would like to congratulate Francis Martin on his appointment as President of the British Chambers of Commerce. Francis brings great experience to the role as a former President of NI Chamber, a post he held for two years from 2010. As President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, I will work in partnership with Francis to ensure that the business voice is heard in the Northern Ireland Assembly and at Westminster.”