Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber names new president

Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce has appointed Matt Travis, co-founder of environmental consultancy Enzygo, as its new president.

Matt succeeds outgoing president Matthew Stephens, with the announcement made at the Chamber’s annual general meeting at Barnsley Civic. 

Leading Enzygo since 2008, Matt has grown the consultancy from three employees to an 80-strong team across six UK offices, supporting businesses in housing, energy and transport.

He said: “Chambers of commerce hold a truly unique place in the communities they serve and we should be proud of our achievements over the past 12 months. 

“However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels, and with many businesses in the region facing uncertain futures, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber will continue to do everything in its power to create an environment where businesses of all sizes can unlock their full potential.

“The budget was a difficult one for many businesses, and one of my top priorities will be to work closely with South Yorkshire’s members of parliament to ensure their concerns are heard. 

“I feel particularly proud of the steps the Chamber has made towards building stronger local supply chains, and as a direct result of this work, more than £70 million has been retained within the local economy over the past year alone.

“In my new role as president, I am looking forward to working alongside our 1100 strong membership and helping to create an environment where businesses of all sizes across South Yorkshire can truly prosper.”

During his presidency, Matthew pledged to amplify South Yorkshire business voices in Government, support SMEs in achieving net-zero goals, and promote the Chamber’s “buy local” agenda.

The AGM also saw business consultant Hayley Koseoglu appointed as vice president and Mark Smith join the senior leadership team as deputy vice president.

Over the past year, the Chamber welcomed 118 new members, hosted 147 training courses, and launched a property forum to address planning challenges. Collaborations with local councils and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority resulted in £70 million reinvested into the local economy.

Representing over 1,100 members and a workforce of 70,000, the Chamber continues to champion business growth across the region.

Carrie Sudbury, chief executive of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added: “The success we have achieved over the past 12 months is a testament to our hard-working staff, as well as the vision and drive of our past president Matthew Stephens. 

“I feel particularly proud that Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber continues to be one of the top performing chambers in the UK, in terms of membership growth, retention and the many different opportunities the organisation provides to give its members the chance to connect and engage with others. 

“Our new president Matt Travis has played an integral role to the realisation of our ambitions in recent years, and I am looking forward to working alongside him to continue to equip businesses across South Yorkshire with the vital support needed to prosper.”

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