Board Members

Dr Catherine Richards is Principal and CEO at East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth.  She spent her early career working in utilities and banking before moving into Further Education as a teacher.  She is passionate about education and training.  Her aims is to make sure that all young people, regardless of their backgrounds, are able to gain work-related skills that will help them to be more socially mobile.

‘Education and skills are so important in Norfolk and by joining the Board I would like to use my knowledge to help bring businesses and young people closer together for the benefit of all.’

View East Norfolk Sixth Form College directory here

I’m the Managing Director at Westcotec, we design, manufacture, and install Intelligent Traffic Safety and Smart City equipment.

I joined the Sales Team at Westcotec having retired from the police after 30yrs service in 2015.

My final role was as Chief Inspector, Head of Roads Policing and Firearms Operations for Norfolk and Suffolk Police.

I’m married with 2 grown up children, my daughter is a solicitor, and my son works at Westcotec in a Business Development Role.

I became MD at Westcotec on the retirement of the founder and oversaw the transition into Employee Ownership, that being completed in December 2018

I have a truly national network through my company, and this is starting to expand internationally too. I can look at best practice, innovation and different approaches to problems and issues.

The Chamber of Commerce has been incredibly helpful in me being able to quickly learn from more experienced business leaders having been somewhat thrust in at the deep end of business management. I intend to work towards ensuring that it can continue that supporting role particularly for new businesses and new managers/owners. 

I attend numerous events organised by the Chamber and will continue to do so in my new role on the Board.

View Westcotec Ltd’s directory here

Alex moved to Norfolk in 2013, joining the Klyne Aviation Group based at Norwich Airport, which includes the SaxonAir aviation businesses. Activities include UK Fixed Wing & Rotary Chater, Passenger Handling, Training and Office/Hangar Rental.

An Honours graduate of Birmingham University, he has a Diploma in Management Studies from Oxford Brookes University and is an alumnus of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme and Unicorn School.

He is also Vice Chair of the British Business & General Aviation Association (BBGA) and an Aviation Ambassador for the Department for Transport.

He believes there’s significant untapped potential in Norfolk, and that businesses can drive growth to raise aspirations and opportunities across the community.

View SaxonAir Charter Ltd’s directory here

Lizzy is Head of Corporate Events at Huxley Event which specialises in corporate team building events, team development and event management.

 She has organised over 500 immersive events in her 10 years in events working with businesses from FTSE 100’s, to SME’s focusing on strengthening teams.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work with such a thriving and supportive organisation with an amazingly bright future. The journey over the next few years is definitely going to be exciting and I’m looking forward to helping represent the voice of Norfolk businesses to help the chambers go from strength to strength (especially SME’s, female led businesses and supporting young people in business).”

View the Huxley Events Directory

Studied accountancy at Newcastle and spent almost 20 years in a variety of Finance, IT and Change Management roles, mostly within the Financial Services industry. Joined Flagship in 2009 as Head of IT and Systems, became CFO in 2012. Flagship manages and maintains more than 22,500 homes in the East of England and aims to build at least 500 new homes a year.

“I’m committed to the development of sustainable communities with affordable homes.”

Carole is the founder of MAD-HR; an outsourced HR consultancy with a highly experienced team that operate from offices throughout the East of England.

An award-winning business owner with over 30 years’ experience leading HR strategy and delivery for a broad range of organisations in the corporate and SME sector.

“I am deeply honoured to be invited to join the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Board.

We have a growing number of clients who are based in Norfolk, and I very much hope my role on the board will continue to ensure the voices of these and so many organisations can be reflected and heard on both local and national issues.

Norfolk Chamber has such an admirable track record of making a difference to businesses across the eastern region through its customer centric approach. This accords with the values and approach of my own company, and so it was a natural choice when looking to give back.”

View the MAD-HR Directory here

“I am very pleased to be appointed to the Norfolk Chambers Board, having lived in Norfolk my whole life I really wanted to get involved to help local businesses thrive, particularly in the manufacturing sector”

The owner of CORE Recruiter, where construction is CORE to us, CORE to you. A specialist recruitment service, in the deadline driven, pressurized construction industry where delivery on time and on budget is paramount and we understand our clients individual’s needs, so we can do all we can to ensure our service is unmatched – 24 hours, 7 days a week.

“I want to be a part of an inclusive, supportive Norfolk community that encourages and champions everyone. We all have our strengths and weaknesses’ but we should have a network around us, that we can lean on, and use other people’s strengths to help us.”

View the Core Recruiter Directory

With over fifteen years of experience in her field, Lexi has a specialty for creating intelligent, data-driven marketing strategies that stand out from the crowd. Involved with a variety of industries and sectors, in particular she has an exciting network across the energy sector and National media.

“I’m really excited to join the Chamber board and support the Chamber in growing its membership and further digitalisation of its services for greater accessability.”

View the Furthermore Marketing Directory

I have been involved in many businesses and sectors after leading a corporate life and I really want to make a difference in skilling Norfolk’s workforce to be World class, something I feel very passionate about. I pride myself on my ability to solve problems through creative thoughts and experience.

“By joining the Chambers Board, I hope this will allow me to make a considerable contribution towards Norfolk’s economy.”

Turning Factor are one of our Strategic Partners

View the Turning Factor Directory 

Promotes the work of the Chamber and its members to the local and national media. Provides guidance on governance issues and liaises with other Chambers to co-ordinate policy positions. Builds mutually beneficial relationships with partner organisations, including Gold Patrons. Ensures the smooth running of all board meetings and supports the Chamber Area Councils.

“My focus is on ensuring the Chamber represents the interests of all its members, both locally and nationally.”

Jack is the Chief Operating Officer at the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.

Find out more about Jack here.