New CEO says chamber is more relevant than ever before

Marketing consultant Emily McGowan has been appointed as the chamber’s new interim chief executive officer.

Mrs McGowan takes her place in the hotseat at a challenging time for Borders businesses.

She told us: “As a result of Covid-19, I think the chamber has become much more relevant than it was in recent years.

“Government has been engaging massively with all Scotland’s regional chambers, and using them to get an insight from businesses as to what is happening on the ground, and round table discussions with ministers have informed decision-making around the situation.

“We do have a responsibility here to step up and look after the interests of Borders businesses.”

The Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce is one of 30 chambers in the Scottish network and its primary function is to inform and facilitate sharing of information to help members’ businesses flourish.

Networking, including collaboration with neighbouring chambers, also plays a major role.

Mrs McGowan said her first task will be to decide the way forward.

She said: “Firstly, I will be meeting with the board of directors so that we can agree a strategy ... what does the organisation want to achieve, how is it going to add value or be relevant to the Borders business community.

“From that, I’ll write a business plan and begin to deliver it.”

Moira Wilson, who took over the role of chairperson of Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce from Jack Clark last year, said: “Emily has been involved in various aspects of chamber work since 2017, and as a local businesswoman herself, knows the business community well, the challenges faced and the opportunities available.

“Now, more than ever, it’s important that we provide strong leadership and support to our regional network and Emily’s appointment – which provides stability at a time of crisis – puts us in a strong position to achieve that.”

Emily McGowan said: “While it’s a privilege to accept this position, it would be naïve to ignore the fact that the role – within the context of the current pandemic – also presents a number of challenges.

“Borders businesses desperately need the support that their local chamber can provide, from information and events, to training, mentoring and a voice around the table – be it regional partnerships or UK Government.

“While our immediate priority is to provide that leadership and support, we are also working closely with our national network and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce to develop plans to bring our chamber in line with the others throughout the country, maximising its potential and in turn, the potential of our member businesses.”