The leader of a thriving business and networking association in the Solent region has stood down after completing her year in charge.
Luzia Holloway, chairman of the Executive Association Solent (EAS), handed over the reins to successor Katie Young.
Luzia, founder and managing director of Hampshire-based Cleaning Operations UK, passed the baton to Katie, a director at insolvency specialist Peter Hall, during the association’s latest monthly meeting at the Chewton Glen Hotel in New Milton.
For Luzia, an EAS member since 1998, her year as chairman was thoroughly enjoyable.
She said: “I had a great time. It was good to give a fresh approach and, having been a member for 18 years, I’ll still be there for a few more years to come.”
The EAS was formed in 1989 and offers a range of benefits for members, including monthly luncheons, networking and business discussion.
Luzia, who employs a 100-strong workforce at Cleaning Operations UK, has fond memories of her spell as chairman.
She said: “It was a wonderful experience as a whole but my favourite thing over the 12 months was welcoming new members and interacting with successful business people in the Solent area. The EAS is thriving.”
Formerly vice-chairman, Katie stepped up to the role of chairman at the luncheon event with Luzia’s endorsement.
“Katie is fantastic and I think she’ll be great in her new position. If I could offer any advice it would be to relax and enjoy every moment because the year will soon tick by.”
Peter Hall, based at Chilworth, near Southampton, handles business recovery and turnaround situations as well as formal insolvency procedures in a wide range of industry sectors.
Katie said: “Luzia will be a really hard act to follow – her enthusiasm and positive nature is infectious and she has had an excellent year.
“I am very much looking forward to my time as chairman and hope that in a year’s time association members will look back and say that I have done a good job.”
Members of the EAS include lawyers, accountants, property experts, insolvency specialists, architects, business coaches, insurance brokers, business development advisors and energy assessors.
Earlier this year Cleaning Operations UK welcomed marketing officer Louise Coe to the team.
The firm, based in Fareham, provides a rapid-response service offering industrial and commercial cleaning and maintenance to a host of businesses in the region.
Luzia founded the company 15 years ago and has built up a list of prestigious clients, taking the business across the nation and abroad to high-status events including the Geneva and Paris motor shows.
