It’s all change at Caerphilly Business Forum, the biggest and most influential business network in the county borough.
The forum has continued to grow in popularity and I was delighted to see so many people eager to be involed at our annual general meeting.
Before I introduce them, I would like to say that the two years in which I’ve been in the Chair have been hugely rewarding. When I first stepped into the role I had a great deal of help from Martyn Fear, my predecessor, enabling me to hit the ground running.
Now it is time for me to stand down but I remain on the board so that I, in turn, can offer my support to the new Chair and provide a measure of continuity going forward.
And I’m delighted to announce that the new Chair leading the forum is Tony Sheehan. Tony is the managing director of the Joyner Group, based in Pontymister, Caerphilly, a building firm which specialises in the refurbishment of houses for the local authority.
He has a wealth of experience at the highest level and has been a keen supporter of the forum for several years so we are in very capable hands – and good luck to him.
I have taken on the role of Vice Chair alongside Simon Jones, a local business manager with HSBC, as Treasurer and Dave Bull, of Team Coaching Network, as Secretary.
Two new members join the board. They are Annie Finlayson (PHS) and Jon Lewis (Direct Healthcare Services).
The other board members are: Denise Lovering (Glenside Commercial), Jan Bennett (CCBC’s Business Enterprise Support Team), Jill Gorin (Business in Focus), Laurie Cope (Amity Web Solutions), Martyn Fear (Specialist Pre-cast Products), Melvin Byles (The Will Associates), Michelle Rose-Innes (Rose-Innes Designs), Nikki Vivian (Go Wales), Peter Brookes (Ashgrove Business Strategy), Sarah Bruton (Captiva Spa), Simon Jones (HSBC) and Stewart Spencer (Dischromatics).
We have a broad spectrum of interests represented, from small businesses to larger ones and from manufacturing to the service sector. And some of our key partners offering vital business support are represented too, including Caerphilly County Borough Council, Go Wales and Business in Focus
But there is always room for more people to get involved. We are here to help, support and provide a voice for businesses in the area so please join us and use us.
Andrew Diplock
Outgoing Chairman, Caerphilly Business Forum
For more information about Caerphilly Business Forum and its events call 029 2125 1395 or email Natalie@cbforum.co.uk