Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce CEO Sara Williams OBE has announced her retirement – after years of dedicated service to the business community.
Sara has presided over Staffordshire Chambers for more than a decade, accomplishing significant milestones that have modernised the organisation and doubled its membership.
“It has been an incredibly difficult decision, but I believe that now is the right time,” explained Sara.
“I am enormously proud of the achievements that we’ve made as a Chamber team during my tenure. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me through these years, including our members, Board, Council, stakeholders and, of course my brilliant colleagues.”
Sara’s approach from the offset was to build on her vision of “funky corporate”.
“I was able to take a fantastic foundation when I joined the Chamber and, seeing its incredible potential, modernised and diversified it,” she added.
“There are many things that I’m proud of during my time in Staffordshire, all of which have centred around my deep-rooted belief in enabling and building confidence, particularly on our work to empower women, drive sustainability and encourage diversity. This applies to businesses of all sizes and with people from all backgrounds.”
Some notable achievements include: being awarded an OBE for her service to the Staffordshire community, in the 2023 New Year Honours list; achieving Chamber of the Year 2021; seeing Staffordshire Chambers awarded the first King’s Award in 2023 for Promoting Opportunity; developing the Student Chamber with Keele University.
She is also responsible for launching the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards and making it a profitable annual event – and the largest business awards in the region; investing resource to Stoke-on-Trent City Council for HS2 support; launching the Boosting Women project with NatWest Bank; putting sustainability at the forefront of the local business community’s agenda; and spearheading refugee support, particularly around the Ukraine crisis, to name just a few.
Sara added: “I’ve loved being part of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and supporting the local business community – who are very, very proud to call Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire their homes.
“The business community here is extremely collaborative and supportive of one another. It’s been a privilege to work with so many enthusiastic and like-minded businesses.
“I wanted to take Staffordshire Chambers from being an established network with businesses attached, to a Chamber that, at its heart, looks at what business can actually do for society.”
During her time as CEO, Sara also increased financial reserves to £1m, opened up the Staffordshire Moorlands to membership, built a strong connection with neighbouring Chambers, and successfully relocated the Stafford office.
Ahead of the curve, she also oversaw an initial investment in the Chamber headquarters at Festival Park, to ensure the building was more sustainable and has continued to invest in future-proofing the organisation.
Ultimately, Sara has always ensured that the Staffordshire business voice is heard and has championed the least advantaged people in the community.
Kate Beardmore, Staffordshire Chambers President, said: “It has been an honour working closely with Sara to advocate for the interests of local businesses, and I take great pride in having been a part of the Chamber’s journey as she accomplished significant milestones, including winning the King’s Award for Enterprise.
“She is a visionary and her determination and passion is never-ending and I am sincerely thankful for the opportunity to work alongside her.
“I would like to wish her all the best in her retirement and thank her for the guidance and friendship.”
Plans for what Sara perceives as ‘retirement’ include obtaining a Master’s degree in Medieval History with a focus on the role of women in history, as well as retaining her seats on the board of the British Ceramics Biennial and British Chambers of Commerce. She will also be taking a part-time role as Director at UnLtd – The foundation for social entrepreneurs.
Recruitment for Sara’s successor is now underway, with her official departure date set for 31 December 2023.
Anyone interested in the vacancy is encouraged to email [email protected] before the role is officially advertised in the coming weeks.
