Tom Mongan, president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and chair of its north Warwickshire branch,

What a journey it has been, one could never have imagined what was about to unfold when I took over the President’s role in December 2020.

I think we can all agree that the last few years have been, putting it politely, challenging!

However, starting out on this journey some 50 odd years ago as a Technical Apprentice at Alvis Ltd, I never dreamed I would one day become President of one of the UK’s leading Chambers of Commerce. Back then CNC machines weren’t even a thing, it was copy lathes, capstans and whole sections given over to grinding, milling and turning.

I witnessed first-hand how manufacturing developed from manually operated systems and conventional machining, to computer-controlled processes, robotics and lasers!

Lasers were the stuff of Star Wars and James Bond movies, certainly that used to be most people’s perception.

Nowadays, of course, they are used in everyday life, from surgery to cutting metal.

It was an industry I worked in for nearly three decades as I was instrumental in making Subcon Laser in Nuneaton one of the UK’s most successful organisations that used laser technology, winning many regional and international awards along the way.

It certainly has been quite a journey and, as I stated earlier, I could never have imagined what was about to unfold when I took over the role as President.

It’s had everything; Brexit, COVID-19, Lockdowns, Furlough, Two Monarchs, Four Prime Ministers, Six Chancellors of the Exchequer, Energy Crises, Fuel Costs, Interest Rates, Cost of Living and not forgetting the Toilet Roll Shortage!

I could go on forever and it has been an incredible journey with a lot of stories to tell. I’ve met some inspirational people, visited some world class companies and travelled extensively.

Some say I’m lucky! I say I’ve worked hard for it! There have been highs and lows, all of which make up a lifetime of tales and stories.

I am lucky, however, that I can call this region my home. I am lucky that wherever I go, I can come home to this wonderful region of Coventry & Warwickshire. A region rich in heritage, steeped in history, with a future as bright as LASERS!

Finally, my thanks must go to all of my fellow Chamber Board members, the incredible team of people who work across the Chamber Group, but most importantly to each and every Chamber Member who support and engage with our work across the year.

I hope our paths will cross in the future – I’m not going far, just up the road to Nuneaton!