Sheffield Chamber of Commerce appoints second female President in its history

Jillian Thomas will become only the second woman president of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry in its 150 year history.

The managing director of Future Life Wealth Management, Jillian was appointed junior vice president at the Chamber’s annual general meeting, meaning she will take the top post from 2015 to 2016.

The first female president was lawyer Suzanne Liversidge, who was president from 2011 to 2012.

Jillian, whose company offers a bespoke financial planning service, said the appointment was a great honour.

“I was so surprised and delighted when I found out. Sheffield Chamber is a great organisation, which is recognised as one of the most successful chambers of commerce in the whole country. So to be in line to be the president is very exciting.”

“As well as being a great networking and support organisation, the chamber is a voice for business, which is listened to by politicians locally, nationally and internationally.

“The next couple of years will be fundamental to Sheffield re-emerging as one of the UK’s leading cities. Sheffield has a proud history; members of the Chamber are custodians of the future and we look forward to putting Sheffield back onto the international stage.”

Sheffield Chamber, which was set up in 1857, now represents more than 2,200 business members.

Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber, added: “We are delighted to welcome Jillian to the Chamber board as junior vice president and look forward to working with her over more closely over the coming few years.

“Jillian has been an active member of the Chamber Council since September 2011, making sure the voice of businesses in the city are being listened to and acted on. She has also developed a successful company in Future Life Wealth Management gaining national recognition as a prominent business leader in the area.”

Future Life Wealth Management is based at Renishaw Hall stable block and offers financial planning to generators of wealth, typically business owners, executives and professionals, and also to receivers of wealth, such as inheritors, divorcees, widows and retirees.

Before setting up the company in 2010 Jillian worked for 12 years at financial planning practice in Mansfield. She then spent four months planning and designing systems and back office structures for Future Life, meaning the company was efficient from the outset.

“Doing the in-depth planning at the start of the business means everything worked from the off and the company could grow.” said Jillian.

“Planning is vital in setting up a business and in running your financial affairs. Nothing should be left to chance. I hope my organisational skills and attention to detail also come in useful in my role at the chamber.”