6 minute read
NI Chamber In Conversation
NI CHAMBER IN CONVERSATION WITH ANN MCGREGOR MBE DL,
Chief Executive, NI Chamber
Ann McGregor is Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber). In episode six of the ‘In Conversation’ podcast, delivered in association with Narratology, Ann speaks to Mark Devenport about the role of education in shaping her career, what she has learned from holding voluntary and board roles, the development of her leadership style and the importance of professional development.
Born into a large family in Limavady, Ann tells listeners, “Education was always important to both my parents. They believed that it would improve our employment opportunities and therefore there was a big focus on working hard at school. As I progressed through my career, on the job training and development were also very important.”
During the episode, Ann reflects on her early career path.
“When I left Queen’s, I joined a Junior Management training programme which led me into a career in production management. My first job was as a Trainee Production Manager in Warne Surgical Products, in Lurgan. From there, I moved to England and worked for two American multinationals – Plough UK and Birds General Foods.
“The production management phase of my career was a great foundation for the world of work. I quickly realised that although I was a small cog in a big wheel, my role was important as it impacted others and the overall production process. I learned the importance of delivering on deadlines, open and early communication and to ask the ‘Five Whys’ to get to the heart of any problem and find resolutions.”
Following her return to Northern Ireland, Ann discusses the development of her career.
“We moved to Armagh, a place I wasn’t familiar with. The troubles were still on and I felt isolated at home with two young children and no support network. I decided to explore returning to work but unfortunately, industry wasn’t as successful then as it is now so the opportunities to use my experience were not available. So, I had to look at other areas and change my career path.
“I joined a community training organisation in Dungannon as a Training Manager. I had no real training experience other than I had worked in industry and was able to demonstrate transferable skills. I saw it as a great opportunity to get to know Northern Ireland networks and what was going on in business and the economy. The scheme was perfect and helped me build on my business experience.
“I ended up moving into economic development. Initially as a Social Enterprise Programme Manager, helping community groups establish social enterprises. As I gained experience, I moved to Workspace in Draperstown. I worked in consultancy across the region completing economic appraisals, business plans, facilitating community consultations and bespoke training focussing on regeneration projects.
“I then joined Business in the Community, leading the development of the organisation in the North West and their volunteering programmes across Northern Ireland. My role involved recruiting companies, establishing business leadership teams and facilitating links between businesses and the community, SMEs and sectoral groups.
“After seven years at Business in the Community and as a result of the broad business experience that I had, I became the first Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland. The organisation was established to improve entrepreneurship and business growth. During my time, Enterprise NI was the largest third party supplier of business support (TPO). Working with a small but talented team, I managed the delivery of the business programme, loan funds, crossborder and all island programmes. That job helped me realise how small businesses make a great contribution to Northern Ireland.
“When I moved to NI Chamber in 2008, it was an organisation that had both large and small businesses as members but the large businesses tended to dominate the lobby. With my background and expertise, I was able to move the business forward to recognise that SMEs make a big contribution to the development of society.
Discussing her leadership style, Ann
IN ASSOCIATION WITH NARRATOLOGY
About Narratology
Narratology Executive Search is a boutique headhunting firm appointing leaders to C-Suite, Director, Senior Manager and Board positions. Our expertise in managing bespoke executive recruitment solutions spans across industry sectors including manufacturing, agri-food, engineering, construction, technology, banking, insurance, legal and professional services, healthcare, retail and wider business services.
We have successfully delivered for clients from multinationals, PLCs and NI Top 100 to family-owned firms, SMEs and start-ups, introducing key executives to make individual impact and strengthen existing leadership teams. Narratology understands the sensitivity and discretion required in approaching often complex assignments and in engaging with senior level candidates. We are committed to successful outcomes and a positive experience for all. We have the capability to recruit for corporate and industry-specific specialisms for roles in Northern Ireland and further afield, with the local understanding to truly appreciate our clients and their cultures.
“My leadership style is democratic and I am very supportive of my team. I work hard to develop them and give them opportunities. No matter what the strategy of the business is, if I don’t have a team around me that has the tools to achieve it and who are aligned to the ambition of the company, I am going nowhere. Everyone at NI Chamber has a training and development plan. I use tools like Investors in People to help individuals see how they are part of the future of a business and how they can contribute to it.”
“On a personal level, I believe in continuous professional development and keeping myself current. When I was in Business in the Community, I completed a Masters in Marketing and I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
Later in the episode, Ann shares what she has learned from holding voluntary and board roles, such as Deputy Chair of the Grand Opera House and member of the Senate at Queen’s University.
“I have learned to understand how other sectors work. You meet a whole different range of individuals, different departments and different personalities. Ultimately, what you learn is that you all have the same challenges in life and business and that you can share your experience and work together.’
“For example, recently the Opera House was undertaking a £12million renovation project. Although the CEO and team are excellent, board members were able to put a team around them to support them. This included a great Chairman who understands construction, another member who understands heritage lottery, another on finance and another on hospitality. People with different expertise but a common goal add value to other sectors.”
Ann concludes the episode by sharing her optimism on the future of Northern Ireland and the economy.
“If you read the newspapers at the moment, they give a very pessimistic view on life. But when you look at the economic data, such as our Quarterly Economic Survey and surveys from the banks, businesses are doing well.
“We are getting too caught up in negativity when there are a lot of good stories to tell. We need to change the narrative – it can’t all be doom and gloom because there are fantastic things going on.
Episode six of the ‘In Conversation’ podcast is available to listen to now on the NI Chamber website, as well as on Spotify, iTunes and Google Podcasts.
