As Head of Business Engagement, Stephen McHardy plays a crucial role in overseeing contract delivery and ensuring that client partnerships thrive. With a strong background in both website development and marketing, Stephen brings a strategic approach to every project, ensuring that digital solutions align seamlessly with client goals.

Stephen specialises in developing and executing comprehensive strategies that blend innovative website development with data-driven marketing techniques. His hands-on expertise supports each client, within budget, and to the highest standards. By managing the full life cycle of client engagements, Stephen provides clients with the peace of mind that their business needs are being handled with care and precision.

Neil is the Director of Finance and Operations for Wirral Chamber of Commerce. He is an active company director with over 20 years financial and operational leadership in private sector organisations and is currently leading all aspects of operations daily.

Laura-Jane Dodd is an expert in Engagement and the Promotion of Support within the Visitor Economy sector. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by this dynamic industry, Laura-Jane plays a key role in connecting businesses and stakeholders to vital resources that drive growth, resilience, and sustainability.

Focusing on strategic engagement, Laura-Jane helps businesses navigate the evolving landscape of tourism and hospitality, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and insights to overcome obstacles. She is passionate about promoting support programmes designed to enhance the visitor economy and is skilled in crafting strategies that boost visibility and foster collaboration among key players in the sector.

Key Specialisms:

• Engagement with the Visitor Economy Sector
• Promotion of Support Programmes for Tourism & Hospitality
• Addressing Challenges in the Visitor Economy
• Strategic Relationship Building
• Advocacy for Industry Growth and Resilience
• Stakeholder Collaboration & Partnership Development

Laura-Jane’s expertise and commitment to the success of the visitor economy make her an invaluable resource for businesses looking to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing market.

Patsy’s journey in the world of finance and business began at Midland Bank (now HSBC), where she honed her skills as a Branch Manager across various locations in Northeast Wales. Transitioning to MBNA Europe Bank, she assumed responsibilities spanning multiple financial services domains, including customer services, collections, fraud prevention, and marketing.

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Patsy ventured into establishing her own business consultancy, specializing in aiding Wirral SMEs in their growth endeavours. Simultaneously, she enriched her academic pursuits by serving as a part-time Business and Financial Studies Lecturer, culminating in the attainment of an MA in Advanced Educational Practice with a focus on Leadership and Management.

For the past decade, Patsy has been an integral part of the Chamber network, immersing herself fully in various roles, including Chief Operating Officer and CEO. Throughout this period, she also obtained her CIPD qualification, further augmenting her expertise in human resources.

In her current capacity as a Business Development Consultant, Patsy remains dedicated to supporting SMEs across Wirral and Liverpool City Region in realizing their growth ambitions. Her areas of focus encompass financial and business planning, HR strategies, overall business strategy, and fostering resilience in the face of challenges. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, Patsy continues to be a valuable asset to the business community she serves.

Paul Kallee-Grover MBE is a distinguished and respected business leader, recognised for his ability to cultivate meaningful partnerships aimed at achieving tangible business outcomes. With over 25 years of experience, Paul has served in senior leadership capacities within both large high-growth enterprises and nimble SMEs, primarily across the Liverpool City Region. His professional journey also spans working across the UK, North America, Asia and the Middle East for prominent engineering and real estate companies.

Paul is renowned for his adept navigation of intricate business landscapes, consistently delivering substantial commercial revenues while ensuring client fulfilment. His track record underscores his proficiency in seizing opportunities, surmounting obstacles, and propelling business expansion, even amid challenging economic climates. In 2021, Paul established his own consultancy, offering bespoke business strategies tailored to each client’s unique requirements. Beyond his consultancy work, Paul serves as a Department for Business and Trade Export Champion, leveraging his expertise to support international trade initiatives. Additionally, he passionately mentors aspiring entrepreneurs throughout the North of England, embodying his commitment to fostering excellence and growth within the business community.

With extensive experience in business strategy and entrepreneurship, Andy has been pivotal in guiding aspiring business owners from concept to launch. Specialising in early-stage development, he works closely with clients to turn innovative ideas into viable, scalable businesses. From market research and business plan development to funding strategies and operational setup, Andy provides comprehensive support tailored to each unique venture.

His expertise spans a wide range of industries, making Andy adept at identifying emerging trends and helping entrepreneurs navigate complex challenges in today’s competitive landscape. He is passionate about empowering clients to succeed, offering actionable insights and strategic direction that lay a strong foundation for long-term success.

Key Specialisms:

• Business Model Design
• Market Research & Analysis
• Strategic Planning
• Financial Forecasting & Funding Strategies
• Operational Setup & Management
• Entrepreneurship Coaching & Mentorship

Andy is driven by a commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in achieving their vision, making him an invaluable asset to our team.

With a wealth of experience spanning the corporate and not-for-profit sectors, Laura is a highly accomplished marketing and fundraising professional dedicated to driving impactful business strategies. Laura specialises in diverse areas such as bid writing, business development, marketing, and corporate fundraising. She is particularly adept at ‘seeing the wood for the trees’ as she puts it, by identifying unique selling propositions, and carefully packaging projects up to attract funding.

Laura’s extensive experience includes:

• Marketing: Social media strategies, email marketing campaigns, and diverse digital online brand initiatives to bolster visibility and engagement.
• Sales and business development: creating comprehensive and innovative sales/business development plans that drive growth and business sustainability.
• Bid Writing: Experience in securing substantial funds from a wide range of funding bodies such as the National Lottery, statutory funds, many trusts and foundations and Innovate UK.
• Corporate Fundraising: Leveraging a background in corporate sales and business development to orchestrate successful fundraising campaigns for vital causes.

Beth is a dynamic Business Development Executive dedicated to fostering strong relationships with businesses across the city region. With a focus on making businesses aware of the various support programmes available, Beth helps connect organizations with valuable resources to fuel growth and innovation.

Her in-depth understanding of local economic initiatives enables her to tailor solutions that meet the specific needs of each business she engages with. Whether through networking events, direct outreach, or collaborative partnerships, Beth is committed to ensuring businesses have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

Key Focus Areas:

• Business Engagement & Outreach
• Awareness of Regional Support Programmes
• Networking & Relationship Building
• Tailored Solutions for Business Growth
• Collaborative Partnerships within the City Region

Beth’s passion for helping businesses succeed, combined with her knowledge of regional support, makes her a vital connector between organisations and the resources that can help them achieve their goals.