Chamber elects first female vice president

The wholesale finance director of one of the area’s largest cash and carry businesses has been appointed as the new vice president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

Julie Cunningham is a Chartered Management Accountant who has a wealth of commercial experience across a number of organisations, including AF Blakemore, Midland Recruitment Solutions and Poundland.

In addition, she has also spent six years as a self-employed financial consultant and headed up projects on behalf of the Co-op, Holland & Barrett, M&S, Homeserve and the RAC.

Her current role is at AF Blakemore in Leamore where in addition to her position as wholesale finance director, she also sits on six Divisional Boards. She also has experience in defining, implementing and managing strategy, and has recently qualified as a Six Sigma yellow belt to manage lean process projects to ensure efficiency.

Mrs Cunningham, who is the chamber’s first female Vice President, said had ambitions to work with members to raise the profile of the chamber both regionally and nationally.

“The chamber has many new initiatives this year, one of which is around Young Chamber and the support of school students in the area. I am passionate for the increased interaction between young people and businesses so we can develop the next generation to support a growing economy,” she said.

Adrian Wright, president of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: “I have worked very closely with Julie over the past twelve months and she shows real care and passion for the chamber.

“I am delighted that she decided to stand for the position and her appointment certainly illustrates where the chamber is heading.”