The South Wales Chamber of Commerce has strengthened the support it gives to local businesses with the appointment of a new business development officer.
Kay Brussalis-Davis has joined the organisation with the aim of supporting existing and potential chamber members across Torfaen, Newport, Blaneau Gwent, Powys, Monmouthshire and Ceredigion.
Her role includes helping all types of business from the newly self-employed to existing and growing businesses from all sectors, by encouraging networking opportunities and signposting to experts in the Chamber who can advise on issues around finance, marketing, staff recruitment and apprenticeships, exporting and intellectual property.
Ms Brussalis-Davis said of her appointment: “I want to get as many businesses as possible into the Chamber, as it’s clear to me that our local businesses, the region’s economy and the Chamber can all benefit from `strength in numbers`.
“My patch is quite large geographically but this is just the challenge I was looking for in a new role. I’m really passionate about helping local businesses and believe the Chamber is the ideal forum to bring together independent operators, small and medium sized enterprises and larger companies into one coherent group for the benefit of the south Wales economy.
“Despite the economic challenges we are facing, I have seen many positive signs among the first businesses I have met since taking up the post. The future looks encouraging.”
Kay Brussalis-Davis has a strong commercial background. She was previously employed at Property Mail magazine in Cardiff where she sold advertising space, working alongside local estate agents, letting agents and property agents.
David Russ, managing director of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “Kay is a very welcome addition to our team and brings to the role highly useful experience of dealing with a range of different businesses and their challenges. Kay has already been out and about meeting existing and potential members, and is well on her way to becoming a key contact in the areas she is covering.”
Since starting in the role this month, Ms Brussalis-Davis has begun hosting a monthly meet and greet session. This enables existing Chamber members to network with one another and learn more about the full range of Chamber services, but also for potential members to come along to the informal gatherings and find out if chamber membership and services are for them.