Team 

  • Sue is a business owner who started her career in the financial services sector before moving into corporate communications and training. As a freelance consultant and business owner, Sue worked on strategic planning, health & well-being in the workplace, leadership, brand management, PR & Marketing and media.

    A Samaritan volunteer for 14 years, she was also a Branch Recruiter, Trainer and Trustee. Plus 4 years as Regional Training Officer for London. Currently, President of Weston Chamber of Commerce, Sue divides her time between running her business and raising the profile of the chamber and the needs of local business. She is keen to see strong links formed between the not-for-profit and business sectors for the benefit of the community. Outside of business and the Chamber you’ll find Sue either in the Gym or a Restaurant!

  • Having lived and worked in Weston-super-Mare for more than 30 years, Heather’s knowledge of the town and the issues facing local businesses is second to none! Heather started as a trainee and has worked her way up to director level, regularly advising clients throughout their business lifecycle from start-up, day-to-day running, compliance, specialist tax and accounts queries to closure or succession. She has over 20 years’ experience and specialises in local business, hospitality, estate agency and manufacturing.

    “Keeping a level head, being open-minded and providing a calming influence in a personable way when giving honest advice, is key to being a good accountant and business adviser. Clients really appreciate it when you fully understand their concerns.”

    Heather has a love for houseplants and her passion project is renovating her Victorian house and garden. She shares her home with her husband, little boy and two Staffies and enjoys weight training, running, and cycling.

  • Debbie is an experienced Corporate Banking PA and Office Manager, moved to Weston eight years ago and chose to volunteer as Secretary with the Chamber as a way of getting to know the town and meet new people.  Now working as an HR Administrator with a local grounds maintenance company, Debbie’s spare time is spent pub quizzing or as Community Lead for Plastic-free Weston-super-Mare, co-ordinating beach cleans and other events,  as well as finding ways to promote our Cleaner Coastlines campaign.

    Debbie has stepped down as Secretary to become our Project Lead on our Environment and Sustainability Project Panel. 

  • Natalia is the founder of Dog With A Bone Creative Studio and RE:ACT Performing & Production Arts, starting her first being in the heart of Weston-super-Mare at the age of 17. Natalia is delighted to be part of the Weston-super-Mare Chamber of Commerce and passionate about inclusivity and equality of opportunity for all businesses.

  • Anne is a Business and Management graduate, has worked at various levels of corporate retail management across several sectors for over 15 years. Moving out of corporate work in 2017, Anne now co runs/owns a local Electrical Contractor company. The transition from large businesses to the SME world really opened Anne’s eyes to the different challenges they faced.  Wanting to use her experience to help others, Anne joined the executive committee. When not at work, you’ll find Anne socialising (always involving food), travelling or planning to travel! 

Benefits

    • Workshops: Relevant to local businesses, helping you stay up-to-date with industry trends, best practices, and new technologies.

    • Access to Resources: Exclusive access to resources like business templates, research reports, and industry data. 

    • Business Advice: Mentorship programs, business surgery and guidance for startups providing support exclusively for members.

    • Sustainability training: Provision of sustainability training, which is a core focus area when running a business.

    • Accessibility training: Provision of accessibility training, which is a core focus area when running a business.

    • Collaboration Opportunities: Collaboration opportunities through business mixers, networking luncheons, and industry-specific gatherings. These events can provide members with opportunities to connect, collaborate, and form partnerships.

    • Business Promotion, Marketing and Exposure: Member-exclusive platforms for promoting their businesses, such as an online directory, business spotlights, and sponsorship opportunities for chamber events. Additional, marketing and exposure through the chamber’s social media channels, newsletters, and other communication channels.

    • Referral Networks: Referral networks among members, helping them generate new business leads and opportunities.

    • Exclusive Member-to-Member Discounts: Exclusive member to member discounts fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

    • Advocacy and Representation: Represent the members’ interests in local government, committees and steering groups and advocate for policies that benefit the business community.

    • Community Involvement: Engage in philanthropic activities and community events, allowing members to give back to the local community, enhancing their visibility and credibility whilst prompting positive change.

“It is paramount to have a forum in which local businesses can access relevant information and benefit from speaking to other businesses. The Chamber provides this necessity to the local community.”

Nigel Browne | UK Business Mentoring Limited