Simon David West Cowling and West Any Professional or Other Qualifications: Other Service with DCCI: Commercial Property Partner Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Past President Simon West is a Partner with Cowling and West Chartered Surveyors and Commercial Property Consultants based in Magna Road, Poole. The firm was established in 1985 and advise on a wide range of national and local clients on commercial/industry property matters predominantly in the Dorset and Southern Hampshire areas. Simon is currently a member of the Council of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was President of the Chamber in 1996/1997. He has a keen interest in policy matters affecting the Dorset economy. Chamber Activities of Interest: Economic policy matters 1
Dorset Chamber Committees: Julia Cohen Weymouth College Education Head of External Partnerships and the Dorset Training Company Executive Board member of Weymouth & Portland and Dorchester Originally from London, I relocated from Berkshire to Dorset 18 years ago. My professional career started as a hairdressing Apprentice, I achieved all required professional qualifications and eventually managed 2 salons and a private Training Academy in prestigious Ascot and Sunningdale. The Training Academy also offered Business Training solutions across Berkshire. In the mid-90s I accepted an offer of a career curve ball to train as an interior designer and Sales Manager. I then took a career break of 6 years in 1999 and raised 2 sons, then started working for Weymouth College in 05 as a hairdressing lecturer. I took the position of Head of Service Industries (Hair, Beauty, Hospitality, Catering and Retail) in 2013. Went on to launch the HIX Academy with celebrity Chef Mark Hix. My current role at the College is in a nutshell to be the link for business and commercial activity supporting relevant curriculum development. I am passionate about supporting local economic growth, working closely with businesses to develop the skills of their employees with Apprenticeships and professional qualifications. Through the Dorset Training Academy I am currently working on a variety of collaborations and affiliations. The most recent collaboration is our Agincare Academy. (Healthcare) Chamber Activities of Interest: Happy to support where I can on behalf of Weymouth College 2
Other services with DCCI: James Akin-Smith Business Coaching Dorset Ltd Professional and Business Services Previously Council member I made the leap into self-employment in 1984 and since then have built and run 6 businesses in different sectors, including wholesale, distribution, software and online retail. During that time, I have experienced many of the highs and lows that go with business ownership and more recently it has been a great pleasure to pass on some of these learnings and experiences as a business coach, mentor and non-exec director to a number of businesses across Dorset. I have been an active member of the Dorset business community since moving here in 1994, a member of the DCCI for approximately 10 years and was previously a DCCI council member. I have a particular interest in sales, marketing, and utilising the digital revolution to grow all types of businesses. Successful and profitable businesses are the engine that drive the local and national economy, they are the wealth creators that enable us to have the public service and infrastructure that we desire. If fortunate enough to be elected I would enjoy contributing in any way possible to the success of the DCCI and its important role within the community. Chamber Activities of Interest: Marketing and Digital Services, Business Education 3
Paul Collins Westover Motor Retail Director Other services with DCCI: Past President 2013 I have had the privilege of being part of the Dorset Chamber for 8 years and in 2013 I became President which was a very special moment in my life. I have long been a proud advocate of the role the Chamber of Commerce plays in Dorset, it is a great honour for me to now take the roll of an elected Ambassador especially during these critical times for the business community. Across Dorset businesses are working hard to grow, to keep jobs secure and tap into new markets, and I look forward to utilising my role as Ambassador to champion the needs of businesses and showcase the contributions we make to the Dorset economy. I am proud of the progress we have made for our young people in Dorset through the development of our association with local schools and to witness the increased opportunities businesses are giving to our future generation in developments of skills apprenticeships Dorset Chamber of Commerce are a strong representative voice for business and I look forward to the Chamber going from strength to strength under Ian Girling s leadership. Chamber Activities of Interest: 4
Any Professional or Other Qualifications: Kimberley Zara Davies Trethowans LLP Legal Senior Associate/Solicitor Solicitor & Mediator Kimberley is a family solicitor and mediator. She recently joined Trethowans from Lester Aldridge to develop a family law practice from their Poole office. At Lester Aldridge, Kimberley frequently attended Chamber events and support of the Chamber is something Kimberley has taken with her to Trethowans. Kimberley is vice-chair of Dorset Resolution, (the Dorset branch of the national organisation committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes) and through this supports local family lawyers to develop their practices and meet their training requirements. Kimberley s interest are therefore closely aligned with the Dorset Chamber and she is keen to play a part in promoting and developing business in the local area. Kimberley has a young daughter and whilst on maternity leave became a trustee of the charity Home Start South East Dorset. Kimberley has been committed to sourcing new ways to raise funds for the charity at a time when government funding is repeatedly being reduced. Historically Kimberley has supported Young Enterprise in local Dorset schools. Kimberley is passionate about working with local schools to ensure their pupils have access to work experience and the world of business. She would be keen to get involved in the Young Chamber. Chamber Activities of Interest: Young Chamber 5
Mandy Holford Echo-U South Ltd Business Support Services Director of Customer Services A people centric leader who embraces the opportunity to meet and support others; I am a totally driven and determined individual who always wants to make a difference, there are no half measures with me which inspires many and may terrify a few! Nothing makes me smile more than delighting customers and seeing colleagues reach their full potential; my work is about creating and revelling in the success of people which I am sure I can also bring to DCCI. As a new DCCI member and a new Bournemouth resident, I may be able to bring a new perspective and dimension to discussions and issues that arise. As someone who is collaborative but very solution focussed, I like to think that being part of the DCCI team will bring value to great work the Chamber is doing. Honest, energetic, hardworking and totally passionate about life, I d relish the opportunity to support DCCI and its members with all aspects of Chamber activities. Chamber Activities of Interest: New member support, Issue resolutions, projects, raising profile of DCCI and Events 6
Tony Brown Y-Not Finance Director Financial Services Tony has worked in the Financial Services sector in various roles including administration, training, sales and management for most of his life, both here in England and South Africa. Currently Tony runs a mortgage brokers based in Ferndown just north of Bournemouth. He is currently or has been a member of many clubs and charities, such as past Area Chairman of Dorset and Guernsey Roundtable, Secretary of Neighbourhood Watch, Tour guide for Ringwood Brewery and is a County Football Referee. He helps organize three charity golf day s a year and in the past, has been a town councilor as well as the Deputy Mayor for a short period. Tony is also the Treasurer of Ferndown Chamber of Commerce and a Trustee and treasurer of the Fletcher Foundation, a local Cancer charity. Tony is married to Billie and has two grown up children and is looking forward to becoming a grandad in the summer! Holidays and paddle boarding are high on his list when it comes to relaxing.. He welcomes the privilege of working with DCCI and helping to enhance and support the organisation. Chamber Activities of Interest: 7