The Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce that Olivia Seccombe and Ian Mitchell have been appointed to the Chamber Board effective immediately.
Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce represent 60,023 businesses and 238,600 employees across the county. Acting as the voice of the local business community, the Chamber advocates on their behalf, championing key issues and influencing decision-makers at both local and national levels.
Olivia has been Head of Corporate Affairs for British Sugar since May 2022 where she is responsible for British Sugar’s wider Corporate Affairs strategy, including external affairs, advocacy and media relations, as well as internal communications and communications with sugar beet growers. Before that, she worked for the National Farmers’ Union where she spent five years as Head of External Affairs.
Speaking of the appointment, Olivia said: “I am delighted to be joining such an exciting and dynamic Chamber of Commerce. Having been on the board of British Sugar, an iconic Peterborough-based business for the last three years, I have a real interest in helping create the right environment for businesses to thrive in our area.
“I am hoping to bring my knowledge and experience in agri-food supply chains to help further drive growth and productivity in this critical sector. With world-class farmers, R&D and processors in Cambridgeshire, I think this provides a fantastic opportunity to attract investment into the region.”
Having started her career as a Political Researcher in the Westminster office of The Rt Hon Theresa May MP, she has worked in multiple communications roles in the agriculture sector, including at Dairy Crest Group and the Countryside Alliance.
Outside of work, Olivia has been a trustee for a number of charities, including the Farming Community Network since 2017.
Ian Mitchell is the Chief Financial Officer at Cambridge Commodities, a leading supplier of nutritional ingredients and innovative health solutions. With over 15 years of financial leadership experience, Ian brings a proven track record of driving sustainable growth and operational excellence. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Durham. Before joining Cambridge Commodities, Ian worked in general practice assisting a portfolio of SMEs with tax and accounting needs.
Ian commented on his appointment: “I’m honoured to be appointed as a Board Member of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. I look forward to working alongside fellow members to support local businesses, drive sustainable growth, and help shape a thriving economic future for our region. Cambridgeshire is a dynamic and diverse area, and I’m excited to contribute my experience and energy to further the Chamber’s important work”
Ian enjoys an active lifestyle with a passion for golf, running and cycling.
Faye Holland, Chair of the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce Board, said of the appointments: “I’m delighted to welcome Olivia and Ian to the Board. They both bring a different skillset helping us to ensure we have representation from a range of industry sectors and professions. I’m excited to see the impact they both make as part of the Chambers’ future.”