Reflections of the first year as a Non-Exec on the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Board.

Reflections of the first year as a Non-Exec on the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Board.

As a small business owner, ‘Hello-Hospitality’, a sales and marketing consultancy specialising in events and hospitality, established in 2014, I can, hand on heart say, I had no expectation of being successfully elected and even less expectation of what would be instore for me. So, it is with great relief and gratitude that I am pleased to update on my first year on the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

I was thrilled to have been elected and felt that I could contribute with member insights from a Micro/SME perspective to help make chamber membership more accessible, inclusive and relative in order to be more appealing to the growing sector of small business owner and young entrepreneurs.

Faced with a sea of successful company directors at the board meetings, I have to say, imposter syndrome does tend to rear its ugly head, which is by no means a reflection of the amazing talent and experience around the table who are welcoming and friendly.

Louise Bennett, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce CEO, I have to say, is not only outstanding in her role but has been an amazing ambassador, mentor and inspiration to me personally on this journey. Taking time to hear where my strengths and interests lie and aspirations for my business in order to find suitable Chamber projects for me to get involved in.

The rise of the City Council’s Coventry Destination Partnership has been just one of many examples where the Chamber collaborate. In this instance with the objective of maximising on the potential economic growth that tourism brings, focussing on the City of Culture 2021 and beyond with new opportunities in in mind. Due to my background in travel, tourism, hospitality and events, it has been a privilege to be included in subgroup discussions with a focus on Visitor Economy and Skills to ensure our visitor economy continues to grow and delivers exceptional visitor experience in the leisure and business tourism sector.

In addition, I have been invited to sit on the communications working group of the British Chamber of Commerce Global Network and to support the Chamber’s International Trade team with a strategy for member product and services to improve world market connectivity for member opportunities. I’m excited to be included in this project as the Global Network offers huge opportunities for developing both inward investment into the region and businesses growth in a world market through export.

I was recently invited to the Warwickshire College Group ‘s Moreton Hall open day and I very much look forward to supporting this inspired and much needed project tackling the skills gap in the hospitality industry through a combination of classroom and practical training to ensure student are ‘work ready’ when they finish their courses and embark on hospitality careers.

I can honestly say, the role has provided an invaluable insight into the vast and varied work of the Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the membership and the local economy, putting into perspective the value of membership, it’s certainly much more than just the vast array of interesting and well attended networking events.

Chamber membership offers excellent value and as with any membership if you take advantage of the benefits and maximise the many opportunities you can’t help but to see a return on the annual investment. Even better, you don’t even have to calculate this for yourself as an annual statement demonstrates the value. If you haven’t already, budget your Chamber membership into your 2020 business plan, for access to the local, national and global business network.

Kathryn Clarke

Find out more:

https://hello-hospitality.co.uk/

https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/