Two Years in the Chair

What a journey the last two years have been. I can’t imagine another role that would catapult you headfirst into the community like this one. 

If I am honest, I am not sure I could have well articulated  the role of a Chamber before I started in this job. It is incredibly diverse but one of the most satisfying roles I have had throughout my career.

Highlights include the launch of the Totally Locally Cambridge, #onejobatatime and without a doubt making the difference that mattered supporting many businesses during lockdown.

A big thank you to everyone who welcomed my family and I to town, into the position and for the many notes and phone calls I have received thanking us for a job well done and for every business that recognises our contribution and renews their membership.

During your tenure the entire business landscape has changed, what is something businesses can take coming out of this pandemic?

2020 has been an extraordinary year that shifted Chamber workstreams overnight from encouraging business vitality to striving to survive in crisis management mode.

Businesses that were able to adapt and respond fast were poised to better position themselves and brace for an uncertain future. 

Leadership became even more important as too the need for attention to financial and  cashflow management, prudent decision making and joining in solidarity with organisations like the Chamber and business professionals such as their accountants, lawyers business mentors.

In my opinion, it is timely to develop a new business plan that forges ahead, mitigates risk, improves productivity and hosts a contingency plan for whatever this pandemic might throw at us again.

And without a doubt, building digital capability must feature high on the agenda.

Knowing what you know now of the Chamber what would you convey to those starting out in business thinking about joining?

Before joining the Chamber two years ago, I am not sure I could have well articulated what a Chamber really does but now well immersed within the Cambridge Chamber it is clear there are so many ways a Chamber can add value to a business.

Membership is not a one-size-fits-all package, it comes in many forms and engagement with the Chamber team enables your business to identify which offerings will provide best value and how best to avail Chamber services.

Our members are spread across different sectors and are at varying stages of their lifecycle.

For start up’s or those relocating to Cambridge, joining the Chamber expedites creating connections and raising your visibility, providing a platform to communicate B2B.

Whether you are looking for networking, advice, datasets or ideas to take your business or product to market, we have our finger on the pulse and can provide recommendations and direction saving significant time and money.