For the first time in its 133-year history, a Suffolk Chamber of Commerce member has become Vice President of the business network and lobbying organisation’s national body, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
Sarah Howard MBE, Suffolk Chamber’s Immediate Past President, was elected as the Vice President of the BCC at December’s board meeting. She has taken up her new role with immediate effect.
The BCC is made up of 52 accredited chambers across the UK, representing thousands of members from all sectors and of all sizes which when combined employ over 5 million workers. The BCC sits at the heart of a business network that spans the length and breadth of the UK, with links to markets across the world.
Graham Abbey, President of Suffolk Chamber said “with this new role, Sarah continues to blaze a trail of success having been Chair of ONE Haverhill and my predecessor as President of Suffolk Chamber. She is also the current Chair of the BCC’s UK Accreditation Panel. Sarah is a great advocate for business and will continue being so on a nationwide platform.”
Quote from Francis Martin, President of the BCC welcomed Sara’s election: “since joining the BCC board in 2016 Sarah has been a supportive presence, as we look to drive the British Chambers of Commerce network forward. I am delighted that she has become the new Vice President, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in the year ahead.”
Sarah Howard herself added “this is a great honour for me and I’m looking forward to spending the next 12 months helping to promote the interests of business to decision-makers and supporting the incredible efforts of the 52 accredited Chambers of Commerce in representing their business communities.”
John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber, explained that “Sarah’s election is also a tremendous recognition of the growing profile and success of Suffolk Chamber within the accredited network. Her new role will doubtless throw the spotlight further on our other areas of work – including our increasingly successful campaigning – not least on the A14.”
