Adam Budworth, Managing Director of Grant Thornton, has been announced as the new President of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
Adam will succeed Jennifer Carnegie, who steps down at the end of August 2022 after completing her three-year term in the role. He has been integral to the successful running and growth of Chamber over the last five years having served as Honorary Treasurer to Chamber since 2017.
Following his appointment, Adam commented: “I am a proud supporter of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce and value its important role in bringing economic opportunity and support to its members, as well as prosperity and employment opportunities to the wider local community. I am looking forward to bringing my experience and fresh vision to Chamber in tackling pertinent local issues such as affordable housing, the skills shortage, and local migration and population policies.
“As the largest independent business organisation in Jersey, Chamber has a responsibility to represent the relevant views of the business community on issues that in some way affect businesses in Jersey. By engaging with Government and senior stakeholders and sharing the vision of Chamber and its membership can bring about positive change for the good of our local community. In today’s world, having Chamber support its members in recovering and excelling through the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and aspire to growth and prosperity, despite the economic challenges that face us all, is of vital importance.
“To be appointed President of the Chamber is a great personal honour for me, and I look forward to my three-year term in representing the best interests of our thriving membership. I want to build on the reputation and outstanding work of my predecessor, Jennifer Carnegie, for our Chamber members and for the Island of Jersey as a whole.”
Chamber’s Chief Executive, Murray Norton said: “Chamber’s influence on behalf of its members and partners is considerable and our valued members should be in no doubt of our ongoing commitment to represent their interests and to continue delivering a thriving local economy. It is what Chamber has done for over 254 years and it remains our core focus today. Whilst being steeped in heritage of our past, we are focused on our future, and aim to evolve and continually improve our approach and membership services to ensure that we provide the insight and support that reflects the everchanging economic landscape and challenges local businesses face.
“At a time of challenging conditions within the economy, membership of the Jersey Chamber of Commerce is small but essential investment for any business, large or small, to join and be part of a network of likeminded businesses where a stronger collective voice is better than one. The Chamber of Commerce was particularly instrumental in supporting local businesses through the challenging effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw even closer engagement and collaboration between Chamber and Government, and something we will look to build on and strengthen with the new States Assembly. I would also like to pay tribute to the tremendous work Jennifer Carnegie has done here as President over the last three years. She has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside and has represented the Executive Committee and membership with honesty, diligence, and wisdom.”
Past Chamber President Jennifer Carnegie commented: “It has been a tremendous privilege to represent the Jersey business sector for the past 3 years. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Murray Norton and his team, and to our committees who do so much of the important, detailed work; also, to those in Government who have worked with us so readily. I am confident we have a thriving organisation that is well set for a bright future under the new leadership of Adam Budworth.”
Daphne East has been appointed as Vice President of Chamber and supersedes John Shenton who has held the role of Vice President for three years. Daphne is experienced in management consulting and retail supply sectors, and will also become the new Chair of the Chamber Retail and Supply Committee. The newly appointed Treasurer of Chamber is Tim Barnes, Chief Financial Officer at Jersey Post.
The role of Chamber of Commerce President and Vice President is voluntary and is supported by a Chamber Executive team which includes the Chief Executive Officer, Marketing and Events Manager and Office Manager.
