Business Magazine MD joins Hampshire Chamber of Commerce as new Non Executive Director

Published by

Stephen Emerson

Some of the delegates at Hampshire Chambers annual general meeting held in person at the business membership organisations Fareham College head office and via Zoom. Hosts were Ross McNally, Chief Executive, and Peter Taylor, President, fifth and third from left respectively.

Business Magazine Managing Director, Richard Thompson has become a Non Executive Director on Hampshire's Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber welcomed two new members at their October AGM. Richard was joined by Jane Bliss as the new members met existing ones at the Chamber's Fareham College head office. The new NEDs will assist the COC strategic vision to 'unlock Hampshire's potential.'

Business Magazine MD Richard, who is also Chief Executive Officer at parent company, Black Ox, owners of The Business Magazine, Business & Innovation magazine and Sightline Video, has vast experience connecting businesses and forging partnerships due to his employment at several events and media companies.

Richard said: "I am delighted to join Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and look working with my fellow members to advance the great work already completed by the dynamic organisation."

Richard Thompson, new non-executive director at Hampshire Chamber, is Chief Executive Officer of media company Black Ox. He has worked in senior commercial roles in different media organisations and as a consultant advising media and technology companies on commercial, partnership and events strategies.

Jane is a business support specialist in HR, administration and finance, and previously sat on the board of metal and plastic perforator Robert Bion.

Both appointments were welcomed by the Chamber’s Chief Executive, Ross McNally and President Peter Taylor.

In his review of the past year, CEO Ross told AGM delegates: “It continues to be an interesting time given the political and economic circumstances we face but as dynamic, entrepreneurial people we can always leverage opportunities.

“From our point of view, our key focus is to keep close to our members. I applaud the Chamber team for helping us punch above our weight. We have achieved more engagement and more delivery than in any previous year.”

Ross cited multiple successes across the Chamber’s training, events, business support and assistance with international trade activities.

The CEO added: "Nearly 7,000 documents, including for export certification and customs clearance, were issued in the year 2021 to 2022 and more than 1,000 business were reached through a mix of in-person and virtual networking events.

"At the same time, through the Kickstart scheme, more than 440 employees were matched to local businesses."

Mr McNally also reiterated the Chamber’s successful work on events such as Andover Business Week, Basingstoke Business Matters and the second Portsmouth and South Coast Business Week.

Closing the AGM and thanking members for their continuing support, Peter said: “Our spirit of ‘business togetherness’ is more valuable now than ever.

“The Chamber shall lead on key issues such as addressing the skills needs of businesses through the LSIP and career development for the future workforce in our county.”

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Main image - Delegates meet at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce AGM, credit Hampshire COC.

Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset. Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users. He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.