The announcement was made in front of 70 leading decision-makers, academics, MPs and staff at a breakfast presentation today at University Campus Milton Keynes.
During the presentation, Chamber chief executive Paul Griffiths gave a review of the organisation’s first 12 months highlighting its successes and its growing membership which has exceeded 200 and represents more than 14% of the Milton Keynes workforce.
Mr Griffiths said: “Our vision is to build and nurture a respected, influential business community, and share knowledge, advice and opportunities.
“We want to become the ‘go-to’ organisation for business support in Milton Keynes and re-establish and enhance the local Chamber of Commerce reputation by delivering highly regarded and relevant products and services.
“With over 200 businesses within our membership, we are certainly on our way to achieving our aims and want to thank the business community for their support.
In addition, other announcements included making the majority of networking events, exclusive to members and investing in staff in a PR executive.
The event was attended by Milton Keynes MPs Iain Stewart and Mark Lancaster. Mr Lancaster said: “Milton Keynes is a good city for business and this is reflected in our strong Chamber of Commerce. I am always pleased to see new businesses in Milton Keynes, and I certainly see innovative start-ups across MK, fostered I am sure by a supportive and nurturing Chamber of Commerce.”
Mr Stewart added: ““A Chamber of Commerce is incredibly important to any city. With Milton Keynes being one the fastest growing cities in the UK it is important we have a Chamber that can support businesses starting up and growing.”
Non-executive directors appointed to the inaugural Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce Board are:
Karen Ford Director, JKL Regulatory Ltd
Andrew Hall Partner, Haywood Mann
Professor Mary Malcolm Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Bedfordshire – UCMK
Darren Millis Partner, Geoffrey Leaver Solicitors LLP
Giles Mullins Director, Grant Thornton UK LLP
Paul Musselle Managing Director, Pulse8 Media Ltd
Jacqui Wilkins Managing Director, Visual Identity Creative Ltd
Mr Griffiths, who will join the board as executive director, said: “This new Board will help shape the strategic vision of the Chamber.
“I want to reinforce the fact that Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is here to stay for the long term and look forward to working with many more businesses in the future.”
