Goodbye from Mel Colton-Dyer

Friends and colleagues in the Cornwall business community I am leaving Cornwall Chamber of Commerce on the 8^th August, not because I have fallen out of love with the Chamber and all it stands for, but because I need a new challenge and a re-evaluation of my priorities in life.  Exciting times!

During my five years in post I am proud to say Cornwall Chamber has grown exponentially, both in terms of staffing and influence, all for the good of Cornwall. I work with an amazing team who are truly passionate about Cornwall and inspire me every day to do more, work harder and be true to myself. I don’t think many people can be as fortunate as I.

Chambers of Commerce are incredibly important to the business community, not just locally but worldwide. Only last week (despite having been in contact with many UK and international Chambers), I discovered that there are 13,000 registered Chambers of Commerce worldwide – a powerful force for business and the global economy, as every Chamber is an independent voice representing their membership and the businesses in their locality.

So, as I leave, I urge you to join the Chamber. There are many benefits – networking, events, policy, access to national and international networks, discounts, etc. – but the main benefit to Cornwall is to become an integral part of the support system which allows the Chamber to make a difference on behalf of all businesses.

I remember when I first started in 2014, Kim and I sat down and worked out how we would prioritise what the Chamber needed to do. The result was – if it’s good for Cornwall we’ll do it, if it’s not good for Cornwall we won’t. That has been the mantra of the Chamber since then and I believe it always will be.

Hopefully I will still meet and see you dear friends once I have found a new role and I would like to thank you all for the support and encouragement (and the challenges!), you have given over the years. Sending love and best wishes for a truly amazing future to all businesses in Cornwall.

Mel x