As seen online at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and the new Business Direction Magazine: Chamber leaders share the key to membership success. Ruby Edwards talks to Mike Forrester, Chair, and Sharon Smith, CEO, of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Ruby: Over the years I’ve recommended and provided outsourced marketing to…
By Ruby Edwards2 min read
As seen online at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and the new Business Direction Magazine: Chamber leaders share the key to membership success.
Ruby Edwards talks to Mike Forrester, Chair, and Sharon Smith, CEO, of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.
Ruby: Over the years I’ve recommended and provided outsourced marketing to support standard, strategic and patron members, helping them maximise on the benefits offered. What do you see as the single most useful part of the membership options?
Mike: It’s important that members at all levels appreciate that’s it’s a two-way relationship. Being a member is only the door opener to networking & events and that’s where the benefits lie. You have to build a network relationship, build your contacts list and be consistent in attendance. It’s a usually a longer-term value add strategy, not a short-term impact.
Sharon: Being part of a local business community organisation, and all the support, connections and opportunities that this opens up.
I believe that being your unique self, with all your quirks, are your super-powers in business (and life in general) For example, I’m straight-talking and also a PR which, instead of being counter-intuitive, works well to gain trust and is also a little different in the marketing field. What do you see as your super-powers, that have supported you in business, and why?
Mike: Being proactive, building a great team, giving the team space to achieve and grow.
Sharon: Being down to earth and acting with trust, honesty and integrity.
We support members and their businesses across the two counties with marketing, websites and PR. How would you describe your role at the Chamber in just three words?
Mike: Supportive, Vision, Inclusive.
Sharon: Connect, Create, Celebrate.
What’s your last word of advice for businesses going into 2025/6?
Mike: It never gets easier. Persistence and hard work always win. Nothing happens until someone does something.
Sharon: Never give up.
And finally, what’s the one word you’d use to describe your colleagues?
Mike: Calm.
Sharon: Determined.
Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce
As seen in print in the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s Business Direction Magazine: page 70.
