Outgoing Chamber boss ‘honoured’ to win award
HALTON Chamber Of Commerce And Enterprise chief executive Paula Cain has departed after seven years leading the borough’s business representation body.
Paula joined in 2010 from Knowsley where she held a similar position.
Halton Chamber thanked Paula for working hard to boost membership, develop services and secure finances.
She achieved success in leading bids to European Union funding programmes, attracting investment in business growth and support for Halton, and worked closely with Halton Council to manage the borough’s two Business Improvement Districts and other development projects.
At the recent Halton Business Awards dinner, she was surprised and delighted to be the recipient of an award herself.
David Parr, Halton Council chief executive, paid a glowing tribute to her, praising her outstanding work on behalf of the borough’s businesses.
He said: “Paula joined Halton Chamber seven years ago when the chamber faced a number of challenges.
“Through her commitment, dedication, professionalism and perseverance, she has transformed the chamber into a successful, well-respected, vibrant and financially stable organisation that works in partnership with businesses, ● the council, the wider public sector and the voluntary, community and faith sectors.
“This is a great achievement and provides a stable platform from which the chamber can successfully grow.
“We will miss Paula and wish her well in her new ventures – she will always be welcome in Halton.”
Paula said she had been proud and privileged to act as the ‘voice’ of Halton’s business community, as well as expanding the work of the chamber for the benefit of all its members.
She said: “I like to think I’ve always worked hard to make sure Halton’s best business interests were represented in a range of key forums from Westminster to the Local Enterprise Partnership, regional community and business committees.
“I must say, being presented with an award at our last Halton Business Awards was extra special.
“It was totally unexpected and such a wonderfully thoughtful thing to do – I was deeply honoured.
“I’ve been part of a tremendous team, chairman and board, who have supported me during the past seven years, and have been proud to work on a range of initiatives with Halton Council – from the leader and chief executive to elected members and other senior officers, who have shown support for the chamber’s objectives at a strategic level.
“I will miss so many things about Halton – the people, the ‘can do’ attitude and its strong partnership working.
“I will especially miss our businesses and the men and women who drive them.
“The business community in Halton is remarkably innovative, passionate and resilient – and they don’t shout nearly loud enough about their achievements.
“Hopefully our business awards will continue to provide them with a platform to do this.
“Although I have been a part of some very exciting and interesting projects and activities, I’ve derived most satisfaction from building relationships and assisting individual businesses achieve their potential.
“I’ve had some lovely farewell messages from a whole host of people, and that means a great deal to me.”
Paula’s successor, Rachael Owen, takes over in August.
Rachael is a marketing and business specialist, whose last role was working as a business growth hub broker on behalf of Halton Borough Council and Halton Chamber Of Commerce.
A Halton Chamber spokeswoman said Rachael brings considerable experience and expertise to her new role.
She holds an MBA from Manchester Metropolitan University and a post graduate marketing diploma from the Chartered Institute Of Marketing.
Her CV includes working as an advisor with Business Link, marketing manager with IDG Media, college lecturer and business growth manager with Grant Thornton.