New president elected at BCC

Andy Haldane CBE has been elected president of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), succeeding Baroness Lane-Fox when he takes up the role on February 1.

Andy was chosen by representatives of the accredited Chamber Network at the BCC’s annual general meeting.

He will work alongside director general Shevaun Haviland and BCC chair Sarah Howard to represent the interests of Chamber business communities at a critical time for the UK economy.

A former chief economist at the Bank of England and chief executive of the Royal Society for Arts, Andy has also served on the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, as permanent secretary for Levelling Up at the Cabinet Office, and chaired both the Government’s Industrial Strategy Council and Levelling Up Advisory Council.

He said: “Having spent the whole of my professional life working with, and learning from, British businesses and the Chambers, I am thrilled and honoured to be joining the BCC as president.  

“I do so all too aware that I am following in the footsteps of Baroness Lane-Fox who has been such an extraordinary force for good for the BCC, for British business and beyond. 

“The Chambers have been celebrating and supporting the brilliance of British business for many decades. 

“Yet their role has never been more important than it is today. 

“I am hugely looking to working with the BCC and its members to bring even more of the dynamism the UK needs to flourish, domestically and internationally.”

Outgoing BCC president, Baroness Lane-Fox, added: “It has been a career highlight to have been president of the Chamber Network.

“I have learnt so much from the businesses I have met. 

“I am constantly impressed with how the UK’s business owners and leaders are striving to improve their communities and our country, even at a time of significant economic headwinds. 

“Thank you to everyone, and I know Andy will take the organisation to even greater heights.” 

Sarah Howard MBE, chair of the BCC, added: “Andy brings with him a wealth of relevant experience to his new role. 

“His knowledge and expertise will help the BCC and our Chamber Network to continue navigating the geopolitical and economic uncertainty we currently face. 

“I would also like to thank Martha for the huge contribution she has made to the BCC over the last three years. 

“She has been an incredible advocate for businesses across the UK and beyond. 

“She has represented the BCC with insight and dedication during a period of significant change. 

“Her calm, thoughtful approach and unique insight have been a great boon to the BCC and the wider business community.”

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