On the move: the latest East Midlands hires
A businesswoman who received royal recognition for promoting female entrepreneurship has been inducted as the new president of East Midlands Chamber.
Eileen Richards MBE, founder and managing director of ER Recruitment in Leicester, took over the chains of office from Dawn Edwards at the Chamber’s annual general meeting on Friday (December 11).
She said: “The Chamber plays a huge role in the region and it’s an organisation I’ve worked with pretty much the entire time I have been in business.
“I have experienced first-hand the excellent range of services available to members, and have witnessed the incredible talent and experience we have on our board – not least from Dawn, who has done such a fantastic job in difficult circumstances as president.
“I feel really honoured to become president for 2021 as it’s a fantastic accolade that comes with great responsibility.
“I’ll carry out the role of president like I run my business – the members will be at the heart of everything we do, just like people are in recruitment.
“I might not be able to solve the economic recovery all on my own but I’d like to get some great individuals and businesses together within our membership to make a difference.
“Hopefully, in 12 months’ time, people can see what we’ve achieved.”
Gemma-Louise King
Lincoln PR and marketing agency Shooting Star has hired Gemma-Louise King, who previously worked as a PR and marketing manager for one of the country’s leading producers of concerts and events.
King has over 20 years’ experience in the industry and has worked extensively in the hotel and hospitality sector. She was head of PR & Communications for Portugal’s largest luxury resort for seven years, Vale do Lobo, before returning to the UK in 2011 to set up her own marketing and branding agency.
She said: “Shooting Star has an extensive and varied client database, which provides both interesting projects and creative opportunities, so I am looking forward to being involved with these and of course towards some exciting plans for 2021.
“There’s an excellent quote from (former basketball player) Phil Jackson: ‘The strength of the team is each member. The strength of each member is the team.’ This couldn’t be truer. The team here are a fantastic bunch of creatives with an infectious drive for delivering first-class PR and media, and it’s rewarding to be a part of that, and to hopefully bring something new.”
Director Kate Strawson said: “We’re chuffed to bits to have Gemma on board and to be growing during what is a very challenging time for businesses. It’s a tribute to our hard-working team who have all shown incredible commitment and drive to overcome all of the difficulties we and many other companies have faced, such as having to work remotely from home for such a long period of time.
“I think we’re all itching to get back to the office and enjoy some face-to-face time with our colleagues and clients.
“Gemma’s specialist knowledge of the hospitality, events and luxury tourism sectors will no doubt come in handy, but she is a good all-rounder with a passion for delivering results-driven, creative campaigns.
“To find someone so well qualified and suited our agency is quite rare so we are counting our lucky stars!”
