Chamber appoints four new directors

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has appointed four new directors as part of a refresh of its governing board.

The appointments were ratified by members at the Chamber’s annual meeting, held at Hawkstone Park. The new directors are:

• Matt Laws: vice principal at Shrewsbury College, where he leads on technical and vocational education and training
• Felicity Wingrove: a communications and leadership development specialist, and founding director of Telford Business Board
• Alastair Dawes: Harper Adams University’s director of business development and knowledge exchange
• Andy Begley: an experienced leader who has spent the past five years as chief executive of Shropshire Council

Hayley Norgrove, operations director at driver training organisation Dulson Training Ltd, has also been appointed as a new associate director, further broadening the skill-set of the team.

Shropshire Chamber chief executive Ruth Ross said: “With a strong senior leadership team now in place and operational management firmly embedded, we have redefined the role of the board to focus purely on strategic direction, oversight, and governance.

“We invited applications from local businesspeople who are keen to help shape the future of the Chamber by drawing on their professional experience, sector knowledge, and commitment to Shropshire's economic and business ecosystem.

“We had an incredibly strong list of applicants, and I’m confident that these new directors will motivate and influence the Chamber’s senior leadership team with the benefit of their strong strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.”

Matt said: “At Shrewsbury College, we are proud to be at the heart of Shropshire’s response to the Government’s Skills Agenda. We know that meaningful progress starts with listening - understanding the real challenges and evolving needs of our local employers.”

Felicity, a behavioural science specialist and founder of Zen Communications, said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to come back home to Shropshire, after 18 months working globally, and to be able to bring my skills, experience, and passion to the Chamber team and membership.”

Alastair, who has a career spanning over 20 years, has led transformative projects worth millions, from digital innovation partnerships to skills development programmes. He said he was ‘deeply committed’ to regional growth and social impact.

Andy said: “My career has been shaped by leading complex public and private sector organisations through challenge, change and transformation. I’m now operating across digital strategy, growth planning and operational optimisation for ambitious UK-based businesses.”