Business West appoints new Membership Director

Business West’s new Membership Director started work at 16 after the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce came to her school to talk about modern apprenticeships.

She was selling memberships for the chamber at 18, and now 24 years later she has come full circle in charge of membership at Business West-one of the largest Chambers in the UK. Emma's role will involve developing and expanding Membership across the Chambers of Commerce in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

How did she see change in the Chambers of Commerce network?

“My perception is that most Chambers have not modernised in the way that other membership organisations have done but they are far from dead.

“What I love about my new role is  being able to develop people and  empower them-that’s exciting.

“I love training , coaching and developing-that’s my dream job so this role really fits the bill.”

I ask Emma about change. I recall the ex-ICI boss, Sir John Harvey-Jones who was a television hit as a company “doctor”. One of his great sayings was: “Change or you will be changed”.

What does she think about change?

“Change is a necessary evil”, says Emma, ”It does have negative  connotations and when people hear about change it often creates issues instantly.

“But the reality is that the only thing that is constant in life is change. Everything is about change and I don’t think people can grow and develop without change.

“Change and how it is received is in the handling of the change-often it is the leader that dictates that. As leaders, you often have to have honest conversations with people.”

How does Emma see her challenge at Business West?

“I think Business West does some really amazing things but we must make what we do a lot clearer.

“We need to be constantly asking our members what help they need and ensure we give them good value.

“Our reputation is very strong at local, regional and national government level-we are seen as the Voice of Business.

“So, we want to use those relationships in the most effective way by working with our partners and public sectors to ensure the region gets what it needs.”