Buckinghamshire Business First brings aboard seven new board members

Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), the county’s growth hub offering support to growing enterprises, has welcomed seven new members to the board.

First is Henry Tadros, chair of Ercol Furniture, whose experience spans from the factory floor to selling and marketing the family brand worldwide.

“My great-grandfather set up our company in 1920 to give the local people of Wycombe meaningful employment”, said Henry.

“Ercol has been employing people across the Buckinghamshire area for over 100 years.

“As a business, we’ve had to weather many, many storms, and while I wasn’t around for most of them, I feel like I’ve taken on so much of that experience over the years and am happy to give something back to the local business community.”

Emma Butt is managing partner of Adroit Services, a local bathroom installation business.

After graduating in engineering, Emma began a marketing career with roles in manufacturing and software companies, before moving agency-side to work in field marketing with a number of blue-chip clients.

She’s also benefitted herself from the services provided by the growth hub.

“The support we’ve received from the team at Buckinghamshire Business First, coupled with the relationships forged with fellow members, has significantly contributed to Adroit’s growth and evolution”, said Emma.

“It’s now time to pay it forward and I’m keen to help make a difference as an ambassador for all corners of the BBF community and to improve the unique Buckinghamshire business eco-system.” 

Kris Theophanous is CEO of Bradbury Tracks and has long been an ambassador of the Buckinghamshire business community.

He’s now looking to leverage his strategic insights and culture development skills to further BBF’s mission and goals.

Helen Shellabear, managing director of Shellwin Real Estate, brings experience in banking, private equity and boutique asset management to the growth hub.

She specialises in investment and development of office, industrial, and mixed-use assets across London and the South East, with much of her time currently focused on the changing office landscape, ESG initiatives and innovations within real estate.

Helen is a specialist advisor to the London Historic Buildings Trust, a non-executive director for a community interest company focused on employee wellbeing, and volunteers in the education and charity sector.

“I grew up in Buckinghamshire and was drawn to BBF for the extensive resources and championing they provide to a range of businesses to encourage them to flourish”, said Helen.

“I have a genuine passion for facilitating business collaboration and building networks and am honoured to join the BBF board.

“I look forward to playing an active role in supporting Buckinghamshire businesses to reach their potential.” 

Shaun Brownsmith is managing director of Dux Advisory, a local accountancy and business advisory firm.

Prior to that, he served as managing director of Haines Watts (Berkhamsted & Aylesbury), a leading national firm of chartered accountants, for almost nine years.

“With over 20 years of experience in looking after the needs of business owners, managers and directors, I want to inspire and encourage others to achieve their goals”, said Shaun.

“I’m also very passionate about training, developing and guiding the next generation of accountants from local universities, colleges and schools.” 

Mark Schmull, founder of Arrow Planning, brings experience leading and working in multi-disciplinary teams to achieve planning permission for strategic urban extensions – from business parks and new homes to onshore wind turbines.

And finally, Vicky Hope-Walker has over 35 years’ experience in senior cultural management roles and is currently the CEO of the National Paralympic Heritage Trust (NPHT), having set up the charity in 2015.

Her career spans the arts and heritage, beginning at the Museum of Fine Art in Houston, Texas, and going on to work for the Natural History Museum, Science Museum London, National Trust, in local government, and as an independent consultant, always carrying a passion for disability access.

All board members are committed to sharing their business skills and knowledge with the Buckinghamshire Business First community to facilitate a vibrant business landscape in the county.