Appointments: Knowsley Chamber appoints industry boss as chairman; Richard Haworth promotion;
KNOWSLEY Chamber of Commerce has appointed Alan Seeley, a senior manager at Getrag-Ford Transmissions in Halewood, as its new chairman.
The motor industry human resources chief said he will help build a strong relationship between the business community, Knowsley Council and other agencies in his new role at the chamber, whilst getting out and meeting as many members as possible.
“I have been impressed with Knowsley Council’s support for the chamber and look forward to working with them in future,” he said.
“The chamber has a key role to play as the voice of business in this busy area of the country that boasts a lively and productive set of companies eager to succeed. I hope to enable the chamber to increase its activity and presence in the borough through listening to members and providing a strategy that will deliver their aspirations.”
Mr Seeley began his career with the Ford Motor Company at Halewood as an apprentice in 1982, progressing to the role of human resources manager. He joined the senior management team under the joint venture that is now Getrag-Ford Transmissions.
::
LINEN supplier Richard Haworth has promoted Debbie Burwin to business development manager as it looks to grow its presence in the hospitality sector.
Ms Burwin, a former customer services supervisor, takes on the new role to help expand the business’ nationwide client base. 
Operating partly out of Richard Haworth’s Bolton head office – an operational Victorian mill – her main responsibility will be for outbound sales. She will be dedicated to developing leads and strengthening relationships with clients based between Birmingham and Scotland. Her customers will include hotel groups, laundries, restaurants and guest houses.
Raj Ruia, managing director at Richard Haworth, said: “Debbie’s a highly valued member of the team, whose driven nature and personable skills are well-suited to a business development manager position. She brings with her a wealth of experience of the products from her seven years with Richard Haworth, so I’m confident she’ll excel in her new role.”
Based at Lancashire’s Kearsley Mill, which first opened in 1906, Richard Haworth maintains one of the last remaining cut and sew manufacturing operations in the UK.
::
