The Black Country Chamber of Commerce has appointed its first female Chair as it looks to increase its impact in the region.
Claire Lawton, Founder of Acorn Support in Halesowen, takes over from Phil Purssey, who is stepping down after four hugely influential years guiding the organisation and its senior management team through tumultuous economic conditions.
The HR specialist is looking to build on recent initiatives, such as the Bostin’ Black Country Business campaign, to amplify the area’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, construction, creative, life sciences, medical, tourism and professional services.
She believes the Chamber has an important role to play in supporting starts-ups and companies of all sizes and that recent enhancements to the membership offer is helping to unlock potential both at home and overseas.
“This is a very exciting time to be taking the position of Chair, especially with Raj Kandola arriving as our new CEO,” explained Claire, who started Acorn Support in 2009.
“Sarah Moorhouse and Phil have been a great team and has given the organisation outstanding foundations to grow and deliver more targeted lobbying and business support to the entrepreneurs and firms putting the Black Country on the map.”
She concluded: “My role will be to build on this strong platform and work to take it to the next level, leveraging my experience in HR and culture to build a strong and highly skilled Chamber team committed to giving our members the best possible support.
“There are lots of challenges with rising costs and new legislation, but there is also lots of reasons to be optimistic with emerging markets and a new breed of young professional developing through our specialist Foundry initiative.”
Black Country Chamber’s current Board is made up of active members and reflects prominent business leaders, executives and specialists from a wide variety of commercial sectors across Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
These include Amy Brokenshire (George Green LLP), Jatinder Sharma (Walsall College), Paul Hull (KMB Shipping), Lynn Wyke (BCRS Loans), Brian Cape (SIPS Education) and Alison Bradley (Central Business Finance).
Phil, who is currently Chief Executive of Caerus Business Solutions just outside Wolverhampton, has spent the last four years as Chair.
Sarah Moorhouse, CEO of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, added her support: “Phil has made an enormous contribution, and I want to personally thank him for the commitment and leadership he has shown throughout that time.
“I have greatly valued having him alongside me, offering both challenges and encouragement as we have worked together to move the Chamber forward. His passion for our members and the wider business community has always been clear, and he leaves with our enormous gratitude and very best wishes.”
She went on to add: “However, we need to look to the future, and I’m delighted to be welcoming Claire as our first ever female Chair, a momentous moment for the region.
“It is a milestone we are incredibly proud to celebrate, and her leadership, experience and commitment to the business community will be a tremendous asset. She will no doubt help build on our strong foundations, champion our members and drive forward our ambitions for the Chamber and the wider region.”
Phil Purssey concluded: “We have achieved a lot over the last four years and I’m immensely proud of how the team have adapted to overcome economic challenges and keep their focus on delivering for our growing member base.
“With Sarah heading to the US, it felt the right time to gain a fresh perspective as Chair, and I wish both Claire and Raj Kandola the very best in moving the organisation forward.”
For further information, please visit www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk or follow the organisation across its social media channels.
