It was history in the making for Greenock Chamber of Commerce, as it officially changed its name to Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce after 203 years, and appointed its first president.
The name change, to better reflect the geographies served by the organisation, followed approval by HM The Queen who, at a meeting of the Privy Council in Buckingham Palace in February, “…was graciously pleased to approve the grant of a Supplementary Charter to Greenock Chamber of Commerce…”. This ratified the name change to Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, which became official at its annual AGM.
The event also saw president Steven Watson hand over the reins to Linda Scott, company leader for Global Logistics & Trade Compliance and Global Supply Chain Business Operations with Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Ltd (TGCS), based at Custom House Greenock. Linda, who became a Chamber board director eight years ago, becomes the first president of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce and 120th president of the historical, but forward looking organisation, formed by Royal Charter in 1813.
Appointed Vice President was Gavin McDonagh, managing director of Holt Leisure Ltd, who has been a board director since 2014. Lynn Rayner, partner with Patten & Prentice solicitors, becomes junior vice president.
“Chamber is the champion of Inverclyde businesses, providing services to improve business representation, networking, knowledge, awareness and performance,” said Linda. “It has been the influential voice of business in Inverclyde since it received its Royal Charter in 1813. More than 200 years on, while our name is changing to reflect the region we serve, our focus is not. We will continue to provide valuable services along with a range of initiatives to businesses of all sizes.
“I could not be more excited about taking on the role at this time. The need for a strong voice to represent Inverclyde business has never been greater. Ours is a dynamic member-led organisation, completely independent and not for profit with one straightforward objective – to support the local business community and specifically its vibrant network of member businesses. I look forward to leading our team as president for the next two years.”
The local Chamber consults with members and works proactively with Scottish Government, Westminster, Inverclyde Council and Scottish Chambers of Commerce, to ensure that the issues driving economic activity and growth, and any barriers threatening the region’s national and global competitiveness, are prioritised on the political agenda.
“It has been my privilege to serve as president over the past two years, when we have welcomed new businesses as members from catering to construction and insurance to shipbuilding,” said Steven, who is CEO of Stepwell. “One of the great strengths of our local Chamber is its commitment to growing a community of businesses, which collectively play a significant role in the future development of Inverclyde thanks to diversity of scale and sectorial representation. As I continue to serve on the Board as immediate past president, I wish Linda well in her two years in office at this historic time for Chamber.”
Having been established by Royal Charter in November 1813, it has been necessary for the Chamber to seek Royal approval for the name change, a process that has been ongoing since 2014, when it was agreed to proceed following a membership vote. Prior to then, it had been felt inappropriate to proceed with a name change before the bicentenary celebrations during 2013.
