New chairman and new CEO of Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce announced at AGM

THE Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce held its AGM at Donnington Manor Hotel recently when several new appointments were made.

Julie Phillips (pictured left), who has been working with the Chamber over the past three years, has been promoted to the role of CEO and will join the Board of Directors. Julie has been integral to the continued growth and success of the Chamber and her new role will give her the necessary autonomy to develop the Chamber further.  Julie’s previous experience in international trade and development and corporate business development will continue to be an asset to the Chamber.

Also after 10 years on the Board of Directors and five years as Chairman, Mark Tuvey has resigned from the board and will be passing over his role to Nick Brooker, Branch Manager of Handelsbanken Sevenoaks.

Nick (pictured right) has been a Chamber board member for four years and over this time has also worked closely, as the Chamber’s liaison, with the Sevenoaks District Council Economic Development Team.  Nick’s banking and branch managerial experience, along with his corporate strategic view will prove invaluable in his role as Chair.  His approachable manner, knowledge, passion and enthusiasm to support the growth of our local economy will help provide the Chamber with the necessary impetus it needs to deliver on its strategic objectives, instil strong governance and provide a supportive network for local businesses to thrive.

Nick announced his vision at he AGM saying: “I am committed to supporting Julie in her new role as our Chamber CEO, which includes helping her provide a framework that will protect and ensure the Chamber’s future prosperity and longevity”.

Retiring Chamber chairman Mark Tuvey (left) presents a trophy which bears his name to photographer Russell Harper. The trophy is awarded to a member who has contributed significantly to the Chamber

Mark Tuvey, owner of the Sevenoaks-based business Connectaphone and Elizabeth Dolding, a partner with Warners Solicitors and also a previous board member, will work with the Chamber on a consultative basis during this current, brief transitionary period. The Chamber is very grateful for their continued support.

The new appointments were voted in at the recent AGM along with the re-election of Board Directors, Kirsteen Allen from ten2two, Gareth Walters of WPA Healthcare and Felicity Hayton-Vernet of A4G Amherst.

The board team will continue to be supported by Kathryn McKerlie who manages the back office support and is the main interface with Chamber members.

Sevenoaks Chamber of Commerce announces new Business Partner agreement with Financial and Credit

There was more welcome news for the Sevenoaks and District Chamber of Commerce recently when it announced that Financial and Credit Insurance Services, an owner managed independent credit insurance broker, has become a business partner.

The Business Partner Scheme is an all-inclusive scheme allowing key members to participate in multiple Chamber events throughout the year, and work more closely with the Chamber team in identifying specific support services to address their particular business needs.

Financial and Credit Insurance Services has been in Sevenoaks since 1994 and offers services to businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to multi-national corporations across all industry sectors, protecting businesses against the effects of bad debts.

The partnership with Financial and Credit is one of four key relationships the Chamber have announced this year.

To find out more about the Business Partner Scheme or to discuss how to engage more closely with the Chamber please get in touch on: info@sevenoakschamber.com