CHAIR’SREPORT Mike Forrester, Chair
MIKE FORRESTER: CHAIR’S REPORT Taking up the Chair role on February 1st was a very exciting event in my career to date. Having previously spent time on the Chamber Board, I relish the opportunity to be involved again in the organisation that provides so much support for businesses of all sizes across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. One of my personal goals in life is to help businesses and individuals get closer to their full potential and Chamber Membership provides a great channel towards that outcome. I’ve been able to renew old relationships in the Chamber team and meet new faces too. It’s always been a hard working team, who support Members while managing the same internal challenges all
businesses face i.e. recruitment, retention, rising costs and growth, whilst being able to provide a sustainable wide range of services throughout the two counties. I’ve enjoyed attending a number of events as part of the Board, including the spring Business Leaders dinner at Crumplebury and the well-attended Chamber Expo at the Three Counties Showground. It was a delight to be able to sell a record number of stands and welcome around 800 visitors on the day - creating a real ‘buzz’ in the rooms. I’m looking forward to visiting the next Expo on October 13th - please contact the Events team if you would like to book a stand. Other events have included a tour of NMiTE, the Food and Drink Conference, attending the ‘Meet the Neighbours’ event, the latest joint area council meeting hosted at Malvern Hills Science Park and a visit to my old company’s
Business Direction published by Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
new £1 million facility at Orchard Valley Foods in Leominster. Plus a recording with the BBC and discussing the rising impact of food inflation and supply chain challenges, the Economic Conference, hosted by Mazak, and more. Please head over to the events calendar on the Chamber website and book your place at forthcoming events. It’s been a busy start and very encouraging to see the buoyant attendance of Members at these events. We’re seeing a real desire for Members and visitors to meet face-to-face and get back to networking and interacting together. I look forward to working with you all. Please connect and see if I can help. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ mike-forrester/ Until next time, Mike. 019
