BCC names new policy director

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has appointed Kate Shoesmith as director of policy and insights, leading a team of ten policy and research specialists from December.

Kate joins from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation, where she served as deputy chief executive after holding senior roles across policy, member engagement and marketing. 

Her career includes positions at City & Guilds and the Federation of Awarding Bodies, as well as board and leadership roles within the wider employment sector.

With more than a decade representing business interests to government and over 20 years campaigning on economic and societal issues, she brings extensive expertise to the BCC’s national policy work.

Kate said: “Businesses are the engine of growth in the UK economy, but they cannot fire on all cylinders if costs, regulations and bureaucracy rob them of impetus. 

“Supporting firms should be fundamental to the government's mission, and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in and carrying firms' views and insights into the heart of Government.  

“We need to work in partnership to deliver workable solutions to current economic blockers which stifle our joint quest for strong and sustained growth. 

“That starts at the Budget, where we need to see support on exports, infrastructure and skills – alongside no further taxes on business.” 

Kate succeeds Alex Veitch, who left earlier this year to become chief executive of the Confederation of Paper Industries.

Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “After two decades of championing the views of businesses and organisations on skills, training and recruitment, Kate brings to the BCC an impressive campaigning record. 

“Her long-term commitment to these causes, means she has a deep understanding of what’s broken and how to fix it. 

“I look forward working with her as she helps build the BCC’s national policy, based on our renowned research programme, for the benefit of all businesses and our economy.” 

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