New British Chambers boss meets West Midlands chiefs

Shevaun Haviland, newly installed director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), visited Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) and Birmingham-based businesses in her first trip to a regional Chamber in her new role, writes Jessica Brookes.

Before joining the BCC in May, Shevaun worked in the Cabinet Office for five years, running the Business Partnerships team and leading the Inclusive Economy Partnership.

Before joining central government, Shevaun was the founding director of the Academy of Digital Business Leaders and director of Independents United.

Shevaun took over from previous director-general Adam Marshall, who served in the role for five years and had worked a total of 12 years at the BCC.

As part of Shevaun 's maiden trip to GBCC, she met with Doug Henry and Marie Brennan, chief executive and senior key account manager respectively at the Assay Office.

Shevaun, alongside GBCC 's head of membership Lillian Elekan and director of international business Mandy Haque, discussed the Assay Office 's longstanding membership of the Chamber and how they have faired during the Covid crisis.

The Assay Office has been hallmarking jewellery since 1773, and now employs more than 80 staff, providing a range of laser and hand pressed hallmarking services, alongside precious metal and gem testing.

The business is looking to expand their certification and education offerings beyond the pandemic.

Shevaun, alongside Mandy and Lillian, were even able to try their hand at hallmarking jewellery themselves.

Shevaun said: “I 'd like to thank Greater Birmingham Chamber for hosting me today and my fellow Chamber CEOS.

“I have had a fantastic day, seeing the Assay Office and learning how to do a hallmark for the first time and then spending the afternoon with the other Chamber CEOs discussing the business. It has been brilliant on all fronts.

“I 've been to Birmingham a few times, I think it is a great city. It 's vibrant, modern and modernising, really a very diverse city.

“Birmingham is a great place to start my Chamber visits, and I 'm really looking forward to getting around the country. ”

After the visit to the Assay Office, Shevaun met with regional Chamber chief executives, including Henrietta Brealey, of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Sara Williams, of Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, Corin Crane, of Black Country Chamber of Commerce and Richard Sheehan, of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce.

Henrietta said: "I was delighted to welcome Shevaun to the Birmingham Chamber to introduce her to Chamber members and their priorities, as well as meeting other Chamber chief executives from across the region.

“While Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is an independently run organisation, the reach into Westminster, overseas Chamber network and collective clout of the national network provided by the British Chambers of Commerce really supercharge our work to connect, support and grow local businesses.

“With her impressive background in both the private and public sector I have no doubt that she will continue to drive forwards the Chamber network. I look forward to working with Shevaun, in her new role as director-general. ”

Pictured: Shevaun (second left) meeting with Richard Sheehan (left), Corin Crane and Henrietta Brealey