Coventry & Warwickshire in business
News
New president looks ahead after being sworn in Companies in Coventry and Warwickshire can expect 2024 to be another year where they have to “dig in” according to the new president of a leading business organisation. Steve Harcourt, Director of Prime Accountants Group, was sworn in as President of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce for the next two years, replacing Tom Mongan in the role. Steve said he was “truly humbled and honoured” to be taking up the post. “When I look at some of the names that have held this position previously, I see people who have made a major positive impact in our region and I want to take this opportunity to do the same,” he said. “I would like to pay tribute to Tom Mongan who has held the role of President for three years due to the unprecedented circumstances we’ve all had to face as the pandemic hit. He did great work in getting out and meeting businesses as the economy
started to reopen and ensured that the message got out that Coventry and Warwickshire was open for business. “We are still not back to where we want to be as an economy and, of course, other global factors have had a huge effect on our region. “I believe 2024 is going to be another year where we have to dig in because, while inflation is falling, we are still going to be impacted by higher interest rates than businesses have been used to over the past few years. “Coventry and Warwickshire is very well placed to overcome the hurdles and our businesses have shown over the past few years that despite uncertainty, we are very resilient. “There was positive news in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on the investment zone coming to the region and, prior to that, we heard that the West Midlands was receiving more than £10 million in Local Skills Improvement Fund money.
“So, while I can see 2024 being a challenge, it can also be the year to lay the groundwork for growth in the years ahead.” As Steve became President, the Chamber also welcomed four new members to its board – Sarah Windrum, of MIRA; Olivia Parrish of Leap People Solutions; Julie McGarrigle, of Alsters Kelley; and Jo Glover, of Coventry BID. Paul Sullivan stepped down from the board after 25 years of service, including a stint as president.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Steve has been an active member on the Chamber board for many years and, most recently, as Vice President. “He has an excellent handle on the economy of Coventry and Warwickshire and will make an outstanding President. We are incredibly grateful to Tom for everything he’s done in the past three years and I am sure he’ll still play a very active role in ensuring the local economy thrives.”
Chamber Training lands a Good Egg after recruitment process A key figure in the plans for Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training has praised the process that first attracted her to the role.
and wanting to do their best for the employer and candidate, is second to none. “I am happy in my new role here at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training and really appreciate the support I received from Good Egg Recruitment to secure it.”
Rebecca Bond joined the organisation as the Operations Director in May after chalking up more than 15 years in education and training, most recently with Halesowen College.
Nicola said: “We first met Matt Hammersley from Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce in February 2023 who kindly introduced us to Sally Lucas, Executive Director for CWCT to assist with the recruitment of an Operations Director.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber Training and sister organisation Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce wanted to fill the role as part of its plans for growth. Matt Hammersley, HR manager at the Chamber, decided to enlist the support of Chamber member Good Egg Recruitment to help find a suitable candidate. The company was established by Nicola Cairns and Annette Holloway in 2016 to offer an independent service to both candidates and employers. Rebecca said: “Good Egg Recruitment contacted me directly on LinkedIn following a specific search for suitable candidates. “From the outset, they were friendly and approachable, and they made it
www.cw-chamber.co.uk
clear what Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber Training were looking for in their new Operations Director and how my skills and experience would support my application. “They made the whole application process so easy. All they needed was my CV, which they used to base future discussions and support on. Ongoing communication from the point of application was outstanding. They worked with me every step of the way,
providing detailed information during each stage of the process. I always knew what to expect and what to prepare. “Over the years I have worked with several recruitment agencies both to recruit staff but also to secure employment for myself. I can honestly say, they are the best that I have ever dealt with. The personal touch that Nicola and Annette apply to all that they do, caring about their candidates
“After meeting Sally and discussing the team, culture, vision of the company and of course the incredible opportunity, we carried out the full recruitment process and found an amazing “Good Egg” Rebecca who was offered the Operations Director role and accepted. “We pride ourselves on offering a very personal, bespoke service and it’s great to see that reflected in the feedback we have received from both Rebecca and the Chamber.”
11
