Emma Holt has been re-elected for a second term as President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
At the AGM held last Friday Chamber Vice Presidents Malcolm Pike and Christian Mancier were also re-elected for further terms with Phil Cusack serving another term as Chair.
During her speech Emma reflected on the numerous challenges facing many businesses at present. However looking forward to the next 12 months she stated a degree of optimism with the many opportunities for Greater Manchester from the new Trailblazer Devolution Deal.
She reflected on the fact that it is 230 years this year since the Manchester Commercial Society was formed and looked at some of the issues then compared to those that face business face now and the importance of change.
‘Times change, ideas change’ Emma said, ‘but the need to stick together and support each other has never been more important. Tradition is important but we shouldn’t be hide bound by it and we must strive to move on and keep relevant.’
Looking at the imminent mayoral Election she highlighted the work the Chamber has done on skills and its expertise in international trade. Connectivity and Innovation will also be critical to future success and she reflected on a number of events and experiences linked to these over the last 12 months.
She finished her speech with a promise, ‘Over the next 12 months I look forward to playing a vital role in developing the work the Chamber does to help spread the message about the benefits of membership and make sure that the needs and views of businesses are fully and authentically represented and responded to by leaders and decision makers.’
The AGM was followed by the Chamber’s Spring Assembly where attendees heard more about the Devolution Deal and also the Chamber’s planned campaigns for the next 12 months.
Details about the Chamber’s Campaign for Business 2024 can be found at: https://www.gmchamber.co.uk/campaigns/campaign-for-business-2024/