Chat from the Chair – Continuing the journey

‘All Change’. It’s a phrase you hear on the trains or buses when the next stop means everyone has to get off and move to another train or bus to continue their journey. For some, the phrase is fine as they know the journey they are on and which bus they are going to take. For some, who know where they want to go but are unsure of where to find their connection, it can seem a little uncertain.

Stowmarket Chamber committee is going through a period of change over the next 12 months, but you will be pleased to know that it is not ‘all change’ and the journey and direction are still the same, to CHAMPION and CONNECT local businesses to help them thrive.

At this month’s AGM, we said thank you and goodbye to Kim Morrison, who steps down from her marketing role after ten years and Jason Ford, as he steps down as treasurer after 3 years. Our thanks to them both for their service to the committee and members. We have ‘punched above our weight’ as a result of their work.

We are delighted that Alan Riddealgh has agreed to take on the treasurer role and Annya Stoddart the marketing role.

Onward Journey

Knowing when to hand voluntary responsibility on, when it is time to conserve energy or where to give our energy is important for us and the area we serve in. Keely Taylor and I also recognise it is time to hand on our areas of responsibility of secretary and chairperson. We also recognise that with Kim and Jason stepping down, we have chosen to stagger our stepping down to next May’s AGM to ensure there is not too much change at once and avoid an ‘all change’ feeling.

It could be easy to question why people are changing at this time. There is no issue, just a series of situations for people and time served. Kim has done ten years’ service and now wants to enjoy Portugal (her home) more. Jason has done 3 years and has work and other commitments, which means he wants to rationalise his time. Keely has been secretary for 13 years, and I have been Chair for 4 years, and in my case, my wife’s illness over the last year means I want to now give more time to my wife and family.

Succession Planning

Succession planning is important, hence Keely and I are phasing our step down to next year and not doing it now. When I took on the role as Chair, I worked on the committee and alongside Allan Scott, my predecessor, for a year to ensure a smooth transition and to build on his work. We would love to do the same this time and find people who could join the committee and work alongside Keely and me. That way, the step up is not daunting, and you can see how you can make the role yours. It’s important to note that any new person will bring their own style, approach and strengths.

I was different to Allan, and my successor will be different to me. Just because I host network meetings, it doesn’t mean my successor has to. They may choose to delegate and share more to spread the load and expertise. You also don’t need to think in terms of the number of years that Jason, Kim, Keely and I have served, although you probably want to think in terms of at least a couple of years for good continuity for the Chamber. The key thing is that the Chair will lead the team and the organisation to meet the direction of the Stowmarket Chamber (CHAMPION and CONNECT local business to THRIVE), and the Secretary supports the work with the organisation to ensure the smooth running of the administration and communication. How you do that can be shaped by you and your skills.

Handing on the baton

We love the sense of belonging and community that Stowmarket Chamber can bring to small business leaders, and we want people to help us continue that. Keely and I will still be part of the chamber, just as Kim and Jason will be. We just want some people to work with us so that we can hand the baton over.

So, if you are interested in giving a little time to take the Stowmarket Chamber on its journey in the roles of Chair or Secretary, then please have a chat with me to explore it further.

For the Future

I’m always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to [email protected]

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

Coffee Morning	Breakfast Networking
Gateway 14 Skills & Innovation Centre Gateway Boulevard Stowmarket IP14 5XS	The Mix Stowmarket, 127 Ipswich Street Stowmarket IP14 1BB
Friday, 5 June 2026	Friday, 19 June 2026
10:00 am to 12:00 pm	7:15 am to 9:00 am

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: [email protected].