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WIRRAL CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
SANDRA KIRKHAM APPOINTED NEW CHAIR OF
WIRRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BY PAULA BASNETT, CEO OF WIRRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The coming months could bring a time of change for businesses. For
Wirral Chamber of Commerce we will look forward and be ready
for the challenges ahead by continuing to deliver quality services
and initiatives, and by listening and responding to the needs of our
members.
I am delighted that Sandra Kirkham, Managing Director of Progress
to Excellence Group, has accepted the role as the new Chair of the
Wirral Chamber of Commerce Board, succeeding the position from
Asif Hamid MBE, who will remain within the Chamber structure as its
Honorary President and board member.
The input of the Board, through their guidance as business professionals
and commitment to supporting economic growth, has actively shaped
our services and led the direction of the Chamber. Under Asif Hamid’s
stewardship and direction, Wirral Chamber of Commerce enjoyed
unprecedented growth and is now recognised as one of the UK’s leading
business membership organisations. I am sure that Sandra will now
bring her own thoughts and skills, which will be invaluable in bringing
us new insights and also enhancing the Chamber offer.
As a very successful entrepreneur and major Wirral employer, Sandra’s
expanding Progress to Excellence Group operates nationally in
commercial and adults skills training and in independent alternative
education for young people. I know she is very proud of becoming
the Chair and, when I spoke with her recently, she explained why she
was very willing to undertake this key role within Wirral Chamber of
Commerce.
Sandra told me: “My rationale behind accepting this position was very
simple - we both strongly believe in collaborating with employers to
build mutually beneficial relationships. Wirral Chamber provides a vital
lifeline for business start-ups and is also a great support organisation
for larger companies with more specialist needs in supporting their
business growth strategies.
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“I’m looking forward to listening actively to the needs of all businesses
with the aim of working together to plug our skills gaps so we can grow
and retain our regional talent at all levels. I hold no fear of challenge
and, if I believe the business communities that we serve wouldn’t benefit
from the cause, then I’ll always raise that challenge. I am an avid believer
in the importance of collaboration, regardless of status, be that either a
private, public or a voluntary sector business.”
“With the health, maritime and construction sectors all seen as major
growth areas in the region, it is an exciting time to be in a position where
I can contribute to the upward trend of a local vibrant economy.
“I would personally like to thank Asif Hamid for all his support in
shaping the direction of the Chamber with his expertise and I am
delighted that he will be continuing to support us in his role as Honorary
President and as a board member."
Sandra left me with a final message to owners and leaders of businesses
in the Wirral community and Liverpool City Region. She said: “If you
share the aspiration to continuously improve and make our region a
better place to work and live, then please come on board and use the
Chamber of Commerce as your vehicle to meet other like-minded
people and ensure that our region drives economic success for all in
the future.”
If you would like to find out about membership or the services of
Wirral Chamber of Commerce please contact:
[email protected]