January 2023 brings the departure of Denys Rayner as our Chairman after 5 years of service as Chair to the Bridgwater Chamber.

Denys has been involved with the Chamber since 2010 when he first became a board member and took over as Chair in 2018 when Steve Leahy became CEO.

During Denys’s time as Chair we have seen changes at CEO level, with Denys always seeking to make these transitions smooth and seamless. He initially provided a base for the Chamber, has helped bring sustainable structure and has provided valuable input and guidance to the board

Steve Leahy, one of the original founding members and Chair for 6 years stated, “I wish to thank Denys for the many years of support, shown not only to myself, but to Chamber members and the board alike”.

The new Chair is Darren Horne. Darren has served on the board as Director since 2010 and brings a new set of skills to the Chamber when he takes up the post this month. Mr Leahy commented, “Darren has been instrumental to the work of the Chamber during the past ten years; he is one of the co-founders of the Sedgemoor business awards and has supported the chamber by contributing advice and volunteering his time to support our local economy”.

Darren and the board look forward to welcoming businesses to the many exciting events lined up for 2023 which can be booked by visiting www.bridgwaterchamber.org.uk