Meet the Team...

Let's introduce the people behind your local chamber...

These People Make It Possible...

Introduction from President

Michael Howard, QC MP

I have thoroughly enjoyed my 22 years as President of Channel Chamber of Commerce.

What a remarkable year the Chamber has enjoyed - furthering its development and diversification to ensure that it continues to gain strength and further establish itself as the undisputed Voice of Business in and for Shepway and now across the Channel Coast. These are exciting times for the Chamber as it responds with skill, enthusiasm and dedication to dramatic changing environments and the sophisticated patterns of its membership. I am privileged to be part of this process and I know I can count on an excellent team.

Chairman’s Message

Ray Johnson –Chamber Chairman - Independent Insurance

Many thanks once again to all members that continue to support Channel Chamber to serve the needs of our businesses.

Your Chamber is probably one of your most important business tools, which provide essential benefits, including support, advice, training and networking opportunities that can assist your company to progress and gain an edge.

I am grateful for your continued membership that supports a wealth of activities to enhance our strategic area in Kent and to enable your business to grow and prosper.

Significant improvements within the region are progressing well, assisted greatly by the Shepway Economic Regeneration Partnership that the Chamber has been driving forward.

I have been keen for many years to promote 'buying local' and I am confident we will all benefit from a greater spend from residents and businesses alike as we gain improved facilities.

Channel Chamber as always is keen to listen and serve, I hope you would recommend us to any businesses you may know who would benefit from membership.

As always I wish you continued success and invite feedback at any time.

Chief Executive

Peter Hobbs

This has been another momentous year for Channel Chamber

As a quality-assured Chamber we have been justly proud of our British Chambers of Commerce membership and at the beginning of 2007 we attained their new accreditation standard. With our collaborative approach we have developed a close working relationship with neighbouring Chambers along the Kent Channel Coast and following a series of meetings with their board we signed a partnership agreement in February with Thanet and East Kent Chamber of Commerce (TEKC)
Both Chambers have been keen to put their respective members' wishes first before committing to any future plans and a merger proposal is being developed for the forthcoming Annual General Meeting in October.

We are also delighted to be working with Dover District Chamber of Commerce on a new Young Chamber programme in conjunction with Dover Grammar School for Boys. This is a prelude to launching other Young Chambers with both the Folkestone Academy and Marsh Academy early in 2008

In the meantime it does seem relevant to highlight a real opportunity for your Chamber to become one of the key drivers of an exciting economic development agenda across coastal East Kent. The unique characteristics of Shepway, Dover and Thanet have already been recognised within the Government’s report on ‘Coastal Towns’ published in March whilst the South East Regional Economic Strategy 2006 – 2016 also fully recognises the distinctive challenges faced by coastal towns on the south coast and the East Kent Cluster in particular.

Our alliance with TEKC and other strategic partners across East Kent will create a new focus on economic growth in Margate, Ramsgate, Dover and Folkestone – all coastal towns with severe social economic problems. With both Chambers (and our members) at the heart of this initiative important links between education, skills and employment can be forged. Chamber Members will ultimately benefit from our increased ability to secure publicly funded contracts that support our business development

On a more local basis Channel Chamber has also taken a leading role in developing The Shepway Economic Regeneration Partnership (SERP). With the help of Philip Carter (SERP’s chairman) and other leading businessmen we have been the driving force behind the publication of a challenging 10 year district-wide economic strategy and with support from Chamber members we have initiated a series of action groups that will help Shepway to flourish into a more prosperous and dynamic community

Meet the Board

RAY JOHNSON has been involved in insurance broking for the last twenty years and is sole proprietor of Independent Insurance Services. He is actively involved in the business community and Folkestone Rotary Club. He has raised in excess of £40,000 for charity mainly by participation in the London and New York marathons.

JOANNA AMES is the proprietor of Arrivee Travel. Joanna has over 30 years experience and valuable knowledge of the European holiday market, having established, grown and successfully sold her own Travel Business En-Route. In 1999 Joanna was awarded the title " Kent Business Woman of the Year".

PHILLIP HINDLE is the Company Secretary for the Chamber. A Partner in Beresfords Chartered Accountants, he is responsible for overseeing business start ups and development of local and national business, he is also a tax advisor and Franchise specialist.

He qualified locally and lives between Folkestone and Ashford. His specialities are in franchising and business support. Phill lists his hobbies as Golf, Rugby coaching, travel and mountain biking.

ROGER HOWES
Is the Branch Manager for HSBC Folkestone.He has over 30 years experience with HSBC , having worked in Surrey, Sussex & Kent.
A manager for the last 25 years, he particularly enjoys working with local business customers.
Rogers interests include: Spending time with his family in Broadstairs, horses, the Theatre, dining out and travelling.