New Chief Executive for Somerset Chamber

image003The Somerset Chamber of Commerce has appointed Dale Edwards as its new CEO.

Based in the Blackdown Hills, Dale is a familiar face with many in the South West as he spent six and a half years as the Chief Executive of the Exeter Leukaemia Fund. He officially started his new role at the Chamber on Monday 26th October.

Dale brings extensive and varied experience in both commercial and not-for-profit organisations, with proven leadership and business development skills. He joins the Chamber following the departure of Neil Murphy, who resigned as a result of changing family circumstances.

Speaking about his new role, Dale said, “Throughout my career working in business finance and leading not-for-profit organisations, I have been actively involved with various Chambers of Commerce and have experienced the many benefits that membership can bring. I am extremely excited about joining the Somerset Chamber, leading and developing its dedicated team for the benefit of Chamber members and the Somerset economy as a whole.”

Somerset Chamber Chairman Graham Knight added, “I am delighted that the Chamber Board has moved quickly and positively to secure someone of Dale’s calibre to continue our work. We have a very broad base with extensive membership and networking activity, but also significant contract and partnership work. As a result, the skills we were seeking were varied but we particularly wanted someone with a passion for this wonderful part of the country and all it offers. We are very pleased to be welcoming Dale to the Somerset Chamber team.”

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2015, the Somerset Chamber of Commerce represents and works collaboratively with the Somerset business community to encourage strong, sustainable and creative alliances that promote members’ businesses, raise the profile of the county, and help to lobby for greater influence for Somerset at all levels of government. For more information, visit www.somerset-chamber.co.uk