Chamber News

CHAMBER APPOINTS ARMED FORCES CHAMPION

CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW CHAIR OF HEREFORDSHIRE AREA COUNCIL

As part of their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant – a document acknowledging commitment to the ongoing support of anyone involved with the Armed Forces Communities - the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the appointment of a new Armed Forces Champion, Lauren Ashford. Lauren will be the main point of contact for anyone wishing to discuss the Armed Forces Covenant as well as organising a number of fundraising campaigns and ensuring that Chamber staff and Members have an understanding of the covenant, encouraging Member businesses to sign up too. On her new position, Lauren said: “I am delighted to act as Armed Forces Champion for Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. We value everyone associated with our Armed Forces Community and will strive to offer the support and recognition they deserve. The Armed Forces and their families are a very welcome addition to our two counties, and we want to ensure that they feel fully integrated into a civilian working environment without fear of prejudice or discrimination.” Director of HR, Dawn Hardman, said: “We are really looking forward to working with Lauren in her ambassadorial role and further enhancing our working practices to reflect the valuable contribution our Armed Forces make to our community.” If you would like to find out more about signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant, you can contact Lauren directly via laurena@hwchamber.co.uk or visit

www.hwchamber.co.uk/armed-forcescovenant-what-you-need-to-know.

On 26 March, a new Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire Area Council was appointed. Mark Smith, Relationship Director at Lloyds Bank, took up the post, securing him a position onto the Chamber’s Board of Directors and will also be next in line for the role of the President of the Chamber, in September 2022, following in the footsteps of current President, Ben Mannion of Hewett Recruitment. The Chamber works closely with businesses across all sizes and sectors to ensure that business views are represented to key local and national decision makers. To ensure every sector is represented the Chamber hosts two Area Councils, one in Worcestershire and one in Herefordshire. Sharon Smith, Chief Executive at the Chamber, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Mark Smith as Chair of the Herefordshire Area Council and look forward to working more closely with him. “Mark has been a huge supporter of the Chamber over many years and his guidance and insight has been extremely valuable.

New Herefordshire Area Council Chair, Mark Smith

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Alison Holmes for all of her previous hard work as Chair of the Herefordshire Area Council, Alison has been an integral part in the Chamber’s key policy decisions and support for businesses across Herefordshire.” To find out how to get in touch with your representatives to share concerns, trends and opportunities from your sector, please visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/ about-us/your-sector-representatives.

CHAMBER DIRECTOR WALKING TO THE MOON AS PART OF WORCESTERSHIRE AMBASSADORS ‘WALK THE WALK’ CAMPAIGN

The Worcestershire Ambassadors Walk the Walk 2021 campaign is all about encouraging and supporting good mental health and well-being. They would like as many people as possible to join in recording the distance they walk/run as they collectively try to reach the Moon. Off of the back of this year, the Worcestershire Ambassadors want to do their part to help everyone in Worcestershire to build their resilience, protect their well-being, and to be able to ask for help when they need it. The 2021 ‘Walk the Walk’ campaign is designed to encourage individuals to enjoy gentle exercise, to take time with their friends, family and colleagues, to talk to each other, and to feel comfortable talking about their mental health. Of those already taking part include Robert Elliot, Direction of Business Development and Engagement at the Chamber, on taking on the challange, Robert said: “For my family, and many friends in recent times, there have been stressful periods. I find great benefit in walking. Not only does it clear my head, it reminds my legs to move after another long day on Zoom and Teams! Bailey, my loyal Cocker Spaniel leads the way and together we hope by taking part in Worcestershire Ambassadors Walk the Walk Campaign we can help raise funds that will make a difference in the treatment of mental health.” Robert is hoping to raise money and contribute even more miles to the overall goal and help reach the target donations of £20,000 which will be invested in Worcestershire to support mental health and wellbeing programmes and services. To donate please visit www.gofundme.

com/f/worcestershire-ambassadors-

walk-the-walk. Businesses and individuals can still sign up for the 2021 ‘Walk the Walk campaign, for more information please visit

www.worcestershireambassadors.com/

walkthewalk2021-2.