Suffolk Chamber chief joins national business board

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed to the Board of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) at the organisation’s recent AGM. 

As CEO of the county’s oldest and largest business voice, representation and support body, John works with Suffolk Chamber’s board, members and team to support the local business community, guiding the business body through a period of considerable growth and influence, and providing support through recent challenging times including economic recession, Brexit and COVID-19.

Following an interview and validation process by the BCC’s nominations committee, composed of representatives from across the Chamber network and the BCC Board, John’s appointment was unanimously approved at the recent BCC annual general meeting.

The ten-person BCC Board is responsible for the strategy and direction of the national body, which represents 53 accredited chambers across the country, and focuses on key strategic deliverables including network development, the Chamber’s profile and engagement with external stakeholders, along with active lobbying and public affairs in Westminster.

Speaking after his appointment, John Dugmore said “I am delighted to be joining the BCC board at a vitally pivotal time for both the organisation and the country’s business community.

“Working alongside the BCC chair, Sarah Howard MBE, the president, Martha Lane Fox CBE, and the other board members, this will provide an opportunity for Suffolk and its incredible businesses to be even more clearly heard at a national level, and I’m particularly grateful to the Suffolk Chamber board in supporting me to undertake this role.”

Welcoming John to the BCC Board, Shevaun Haviland, director general at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “I am thrilled to welcome John to the BCC Board. His years of experience within the Chamber network should prove to be a great asset.

“I look forward to working with him as we steer the organisation through the challenges ahead and continue to fight the corner for the UK’s business community.”

Catherine Johnston, president of Suffolk Chamber, added: “On behalf of the Suffolk Chamber board I would like to congratulate John on this very prestigious appointment.

“His insight on BCC strategy and policy will be of huge value to our board and in turn our members.”

The British Chamber of Commerce’s AGM also saw the election of its new President, Baroness Martha Lane-Fox CBE, succeeding Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE.