New Leader For Harrogate Chamber Of Commerce

As proud members of the Harrogate Chamber of Commerce, Wish Digital were delighted to hear the news that Harrogate guesthouse owner Sandra Doherty is going to become the new Chief Executive.

Subject to formal approval, Sandra Doherty will take charge in May following three years as President. Sandra will take over from Brian Dunsby, subject to formal approval from the Chamber membership at its AGM. After 14 years’ service, Brian announced his intention to step down at the end of 2015.

Sandra was quoted as saying: “Brian has done an incredible job of building the Chamber from a fairly small group of business owners to a membership of around 250 businesses across Harrogate.”

“Having worked closely with him for several years as President, I have seen the way the Chamber is run and the many ways it serves the local business community. With the support of the members, I hope to continue that work from May onwards and help to ensure the Chamber supports and represents local businesses for many years to come.”

As the new Harrogate Chamber Chief Executive, Sandra will take on much of the administration work, whilst a planned new website and distribution system will help to improve communication with members and other contacts.

Vicky Carr will be the Chamber’s public relations officer and will also assist with administrative duties. It’s all change in May as outgoing President Mike Shaw will also hand over official duties to local businessman Michael Webster. Mr Shaw said: “This May will be a time of change for the Chamber, as two of the key leadership roles are taken by new people.
“However, both Sandra and Michael have a long association with Harrogate Chamber and understand the role it plays in the business community. With the support of the Management Group, which also has many long-serving members, I am confident they will take the Chamber into a new era with skill and confidence.”

He went on to add: “It is an exciting time for everyone involved with the Chamber and we are looking forward to seeing how things develop over the coming months and years. This is also a great opportunity for anyone who has not been a member before, or who has never tried a meeting, to come along and see what the Chamber can offer to local businesses.”

Brian Dunsby will continue in his role as Managing Director of Yorkshire Business Market Ltd, the not-for-profit company which has run the popular and successful Yorkshire Business Market since 2005. More recently we have seen the success of the Harrogate Christmas Market, which was also created by Brian and the team at Yorkshire Business Market Ltd.

You can hear Brian being interviewed on Radio York about the changes at the Harrogate Chamber here. pull the slider along to 1:08:12 for the beginning of the interview.

We look forward to an exciting year ahead with the Harrogate Chamber of Trade & Commerce and would like to wish Sandra Doherty and the rest of the team every success going forward.