Pic Alan Richardson Dundee, Pix-AR.co.uk EQ Peter Southcott

Fife Chamber of Commerce’s members have warmly welcomed Peter Southcott and Debbie Miller into their new appointments as President and Vice-President, respectively.

The appointments were approved at the Chamber’s 2016 AGM, where Janet McIntyre from Thorntons Law also became a new board member. Peter takes over the role of President from John Silcock. He previously served as Vice-President for the past two years, during which time the Chamber’s membership grew and its event programme expanded. Peter is a Partner at EQ Accountants.

On his vision and aims for Fife Chamber and its members in the coming two years, he said: “I come into this position at a time when the Chamber’s finances are robust, its Board is strong and its governance is effective. This is due to the fantastic efforts of the previous teams.

“However, I believe there is scope for improvement and room for growth. I want the Chamber to be the first place that Fife’s businesses go to when they need support. I want us to reach out to organisations of all sizes and sectors across the whole of the Kingdom.

“We will work hard to ensure that Fife Chamber provides all the value, support and guidance that members need – including being a cohesive and strong voice for them on local, regional and national issues.

“We will also continue the Chamber’s work in making the vitally important Developing the Young Workforce initiative a resounding success in Fife.

“With Debbie as my Vice-President, and the support of the fantastic wider team and other board members, I’m confident that we will deliver and make a real difference for our members.”

Mr Southcott will be supported by new Vice-President, Debbie Miller, Vice Principal at Fife College. She brings with her extensive experience in business development and education roles in organisations ranging from charities to universities including Robert Gordon and the University of Stirling.

Debbie commented: “Peter has set out some bold aspirations to take Fife Chamber forwards, and I believe we can achieve them by working together and by listening to our members.

“As Vice-President, I am keen to assist and support Peter in all of his endeavours, to ensure that Fife Chamber of Commerce is recognised as the most valuable and prominent business network in Fife.

“In particular, I want the Chamber to always be associated with energy, innovation and a constant drive to improve. I want it to be an organisation where its members know they will always get professional service and a warm and friendly welcome.”

The Chamber’s board was also bolstered by the addition of Janet McIntyre. A seasoned lawyer, she has over nineteen years of experience, with fifteen of those spent at Thorntons Solicitors in Dundee, where she is a Partner with the firm and plays a leading role in its commercial property team. Her appointment strengthens the representation of the legal sector in Fife on the Chamber board.

Fife Chamber works to contribute positively to the Fife economy by representing its members’ interests, engaging with businesses of all types, identifying and debating issues affecting the Fife economy and lobbying locally and nationally to address business concerns.