Sandra Kirkham announced as new chair of Wirral Chamber of Commerce

Sandra Kirkham, managing director of the Progress to Excellence Group, has been appointed the new chair of the Wirral Chamber of Commerce Board.

She succeeds the position from Asif Hamid, who will remain within the Wirral Chamber structure as its honorary president and board member.

Paula Basnett, chief executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce said: “The board has actively shaped our services and led the direction of the chamber through their expertise as business professionals and commitment to supporting economic growth.

“Under Asif Hamid’s stewardship and direction, Wirral Chamber of Commerce has enjoyed unprecedented growth and is now recognised as one of the UK’s leading business membership organisations.”

She added: “I am sure that Sandra will now bring her own thoughts and skills, together with her input, which will be invaluable in bringing new insights and enhancing the Chamber offer.”

An entrepreneur and managing director of the Progress to Excellence Group, an expanding cluster of companies and a major Wirral employer, Sandra Kirkham said she is honoured to be invited to become chair: “It was the shared vision with Wirral Chamber of Commerce that resulted in my joining the organisation in the first place.

“The rationale behind my thinking at the time was very simplistic – that we both strongly believed in collaborating with employers to build mutually beneficial relationships.

“Wirral Chamber of Commerce is a pivotal organisation to all businesses, enabling them to receive, or be signposted to relevant services and support.

“Not only does it provide a vital lifeline for business start-ups, but also is a great support organisation for larger businesses which have more specialist needs in supporting their business growth strategies.”

She added: “I would personally like to take this opportunity to thank Asif Hamid for all his support as Wirral Chamber of Commerce chair in shaping the direction which the Chamber has taken by offering his expertise which has enabled growth and helped many businesses in Wirral and the Liverpool City Region.

“I am delighted that Asif will be continuing to support Wirral Chamber of Commerce in his new role as honorary president and as a board member.”

Originally founding her business as a training consultancy after a career in social services, Sandra’s drive to deliver high quality training in health, social care and business sectors has seen Progress to Excellence rapidly expand to become one of the UK’s fastest growing specialist training organisations, collectively delivering apprenticeships and vocational training for more than 1,300 employers and developing 4,300 learners.

Paula Basnett recognises Sandra’s experience and her total commitment to Wirral as being key for Wirral Chamber of Commerce’s objectives in supporting its membership and shaping future strategy.

She said: “We have benefitted from Sandra’s support over many years and it is clear that with her private sector expertise she will be prominent in driving future growth for the chamber, but also for Wirral and the Liverpool City Region economies.”