NEW CHAMBER CHAIR
CHAMBER SAYS THANK YOU TO OUTGOING CHAIR As the Chamber mark a new era with Mike Forrester becoming new Chair of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, this edition features a fitting tribute to outgoing Chair, Jim McBride, who has served the Chamber for over a decade. Jim has served on the Worcestershire Area Council for many years including his role as Chair and has held roles of President of the Chamber of Commerce and for the last 6 years Chair of the Chamber. Jim’s commitment, passion and dedication to promote and serve the businesses of Herefordshire and Worcestershire has been never ending. He is a true Ambassador, Leader and has relentlessly supported charities in the two counties through some extreme physical challenges, including a recent walk of Hadrian’s wall and not forgetting his 7-day Canadian Canoe journey of the River Severn with Ben Mannion. Through his Board positions, Jim has
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provided strategic direction and guidance to the Chamber over many years, ensuring the company remains focused on our Members’ support and achievement of long term local economic success. Jim has helped with finances, security, growth and leadership, ensuring we have benefited from his vast business experience. His straight-talking approach has provided much needed clarity at times of difficulty and has helped the Chamber battle through the challenges and secure new opportunities. He is a regular attendee of Chamber Manufacturing Forums, Expos and Awards evening, an excellent contributor to Chamber Policy work and has ensured that the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce remains a best performing and high-profile Chamber within the 53 strong National Chamber network. This has proved a valuable asset, ensuring top officials and London-based government departments know and understand the diversity of our local area and most importantly its businesses. Some of the Chamber’s key achievements over Jim’s Chairmanship include being named as the Chamber of the Year in 2013, an International finalist in the World
Chamber completion in 2017 and one of the Sunday Times Best Companies to work for, over the last 4 years. Alongside this, the Chamber have grown over Jim’s tenure to be the 7th largest in the UK, one of the largest contributors to Chamber National Policy Surveys and a serious partner for both private business and the public sector. Jim’s knowledge and experience internationally has also driven success for the Chamber locally, participating in overseas missions to China, Brussels and Russia, ensuring the two counties benefit from not only local, regional and national profile, but international too. Jim has been a friend and mentor to many businesses, Members, clients and Chamber employees throughout this time, myself included and everyone at the Chamber would like to wish Jim all the best in both his ongoing business pursuits and support of the two Counties, on behalf of the Chamber, Members and partners. And finally Jim, we’ve had FUN along the way! From everyone at the Chamber, we hope you enjoy these photos as a reminder of your journey.
March/April 2022
