Returning to the Board as Chair, Mike Forrester is more than ready for action as he supports the existing team at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Together, they take on the new challenges for 2022.
Mike returns to the local Chamber of Commerce Board having been associated with the Herefordshire & Worcestershire network previously as a Strategic Member, Director and President. Mike will fill the position of Chair, which has been vacated by Jim McBride, who leaves after being a part of the Chamber for a number of years.
Mike says: “First, I am both honoured and excited to have the opportunity to step into the Chair role of the Chamber from 1st Feb. Jim McBride has filled the role with an exceptionally diligent performance, both leading the board and promoting the Chamber within the two counties, at regional and national level.
“A great example that I aspire to follow.”
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic member-led, not for profit organisation, working to provide business support across the two counties. As the 7th largest Chamber in the UK, the local network is thriving by helping organisations to manage the challenges of the new working world.
Mike is welcomed back as an internationally experienced business development and company leadership professional and is keen to utilise his skills and experience to enable others to reach their full potential. You may know Mike from his time as Founder and Managing Director at Orchard Valley Foods or Group Commercial Director at OV. More about Mike’s career can be found on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-forrester/.
With his sights firmly set on encouraging the growth of local business, Mike will be available to support members from 1 February 2022.
Mike confirms:
“I welcome the opportunity to support the membership team and meet again many of the well established companies, through to new sole trader start-ups, and all the inspirational businesses in between, across the two counties.”
On Mike being appointed Chair, Sharon Smith, Chief Executive, said: “The Chamber team and I look forward to working with Mike again over the next 3 years. Mike’s experiences and drive to support and grow the two counties will be a huge benefit to our local Chamber and its Members.
“In the meantime I would like to express my sincere thanks to Jim as he moves on from the Board. Jim has been a great support and mentor to many of us at the Chamber and our Members, and we will miss his straight talking and humour. We hope to continue to see you at events and social occasions though Jim!”
The Chamber would like to express our utmost gratitude for the work and contributions of outgoing Chair, Jim McBride and we hope to see him throughout the calendar of Chamber events. We would also like to wish Mike the best of luck as he settles into his new role within the Chamber.
Mike will be at the Business Expo from 9.30am-2.30pm on 10th March 2022 at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. For more information about the event, please go to: https://hwchamber.co.uk/events/business-expo/.
To contact Mike direct call 07860 902672 or email [email protected].