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Liverpool Chamber welcomes new vice-chair and NEDs


Liverpool Chamber has recently appointed a new vice-chair and three new non-executive directors to its board.

Chris Waine, has been appointed as vice-chair following the resignation of Sue Grindrod, who had held the position since 2019. Chris is a director at specialist construction, property and management consultancy Hive Projects and an existing member of the Chamber board.

Jessica Parry, partner at law firm Brabners, Sean Keyes, managing director at engineering group Sutcliffe, and Rob Aitken, partner at financial services firm RSM, all join the Chamber as non-executive directors.

The three experienced professionals were chosen following an extensive selection process.

They will support the board of directors in delivering continuous improvement at the Chamber, which has undertaken significant change in the past 18 months. Changes include relocation to a new office and a restructure of the membership scheme to reflect the city’s changing business landscape, leading to a record number of new members and patrons.

Chris Waine said:

“I am delighted to continue supporting the Chamber but in a new capacity as vice chair of the board. The Chamber continues to evolve and more than ever it is playing a crucial role in supporting businesses at a time of economic volatility. I look forward to working with the existing Chamber team and the new members of the Board. Exciting times ahead.”

Jessica Parry said:

“I’m delighted to have been appointed to the board as a non-executive director. It’s an exciting time for the Liverpool City region. I’m looking forward to seeing the Chamber’s excellent initiatives help local businesses thrive and reach their full potential.”

Sean Keyes said:

“Sutcliffe has been a long-time supporter of the Liverpool Chamber. I am delighted to be a newly appointed NED and will continue supporting the Liverpool City Region. Undoubtedly, there will be many challenges and exciting opportunities ahead, which I look forward to.”

Rob Aitken said:

“RSM has been keen to support the work of the Chamber in recent years. I have always enjoyed working with and developing local businesses and I see the Chamber as playing an increasingly important role in the local economy as it seeks to maximise the opportunities for the Liverpool City region.”

Neil Ashbridge, chair of Liverpool Chamber, said:

“Our new vice-chair and non-executive directors bring a wealth of experience across a range of sectors and each has a rich knowledge of the local, regional and national economy, as well as the ecosystem that underpins enterprise.

“As we continue to evolve and find new ways to support our members in a rapidly-changing global economy, their fresh perspective and experience will prove to be hugely valuable to the board and the wider Chamber community.

“We also say thank you to Sue Grindrod and Liam Jones, who both step down from the board. Sue and Liam made an outstanding contribution to the Chamber’s development over recent years and helped to cement its role as the trusted voice of business in the city region.”

Liverpool Chamber delivers a range of engagement activities and international trade support for businesses. Through the Quarterly Economic Survey, it provides the most comprehensive and respected insight into business sentiment in the region and across the UK. It has 16 full-time employees with turnover of approximately £1.1m, generated through membership subscriptions, export advisory services and publicly-funded business support.

To find out more or to apply for the role of non-executive director, please visit www.liverpoolchamber.org.uk or contact Jon Cranston, secretary to the board, on jon.cranston@liverpoolchamber.org.uk with a CV and covering note.