The company that runs the South and Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce is transforming itself into a fully member-controlled business to strengthen its role as the independent voice of small and medium sized Welsh businesses.
Newport and Gwent Chamber of Commerce Enterprise and Industry (NGCCEI) previously operated two businesses: the Chamber and the Centre for Business.
With the latter having been unsuccessful in bidding for a contract with the Welsh Government, NGCCEI is launching a new strategy focusing on developing its role in supporting and representing SMEs.
“The Centre for Business may have missed out on the Welsh Government contract, but the Chamber gained mission clarity,” said Liz Maher, president of the South and Mid Wales Chamber. “Being a supplier to the Welsh Government had to some extent diluted our role as a representative of business, but that constraint has now been lifted.
“With more powers being devolved to the National Assembly and a new government formed in Cardiff, we believe SMEs in Wales need a strong business voice to engage with and influence policy makers.
“At the same time we will expand our programme of top quality networking events, build our export support services and continue to develop our highly-successful business awards. The changes are very exciting and I’m looking forward to working with SMEs across south, west and mid Wales to make the Chamber the best in the UK.”
The board of NGCCEI has appointed a steering group to manage the transition to a new, fully member-controlled company. The group comprises current NGCCEI chairman David Ludlow, outgoing chief executive Keith Palmer, Julian Rowe (head of finance), Liz Maher (Centurion VAT), Steve Howell (Freshwater UK), James Emery (COS Group) and Stuart Taylor (Post Office).
“The customers are, in effect, taking over the shop,” said Steve Howell, chief executive of Freshwater UK, who was asked by the board in March to help develop the strategy.
“Keith and his senior management team have worked with me to shape a three-year plan that has the support not only of the board but also the Chamber’s two regional councils and our excellent staff team.
“We’re very grateful Keith is also going to continue to support us in a non-executive capacity providing the benefit of his experience as we move to appoint a Chamber Director and implement the strategy over the next few months.
“We’re building on a very strong base of more than 600 members, a high-profile events programme, experienced staff and a healthy balance sheet with cash reserves and a profitable commercial property portfolio.”
Outgoing chief executive Keith Palmer has an enterprise agency background and intends to pursue a career in business consultancy while continuing as a Chamber board member.
“I am looking forward to being involved in the appointment of a Director who can support Liz and the members in driving the strategy and building the Chamber,” he said.
“We’re looking for someone who is commercially and politically switched on and who understands the needs of SMEs and the role of the Chamber as a member-led organisation. It’s an exciting role for an ambitious person.”