The CEO of Harrogate and District Chamber of Commerce is to stand down in spring after five years in the post.
Sandra Doherty took on the role in May 2016, but has decided to step down after selling her guest house on Ripon Road and making plans to retire to Northumberland.
The chamber is now asking anyone interested in taking on the role, which comes with a small remuneration package, to email Ms Doherty on [email protected].
The chamber says those interested need to care about the Harrogate district and the businesses within it, and be able to comment on issues facing them.
Ms Doherty spoke highly of her time in the role, thanking the people she has worked with during the five years. She said:
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as Harrogate and District Chamber of Commerce’s CEO, and when I depart, I will miss all that this position brings.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for someone with a bit of time and an enjoyment of working with people in many walks of life. Like me, they will be supported by a superb management committee.”
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Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce president Martin Gerrard said:
“We will be very sorry to see Sandra not only depart from the chamber, but from Harrogate too.
“Being chamber CEO is by no means an easy job, and the last 11 months have proved to be incredibly challenging. It needs an understanding of Harrogate’s business scene, great organisational skills, and the ability to comment on a wide range of issues facing the town and the wider district.
“Above all, it needs someone who cares about the town and the businesses that make Harrogate such a popular place to live and work.”
Ms Doherty took on the role at the chamber after Brian Dunsby stepped down in 2016, after 14 years at the helm.
The chamber’s history in Harrogate dates back to 1896 and it was responsible for the creation of Yorkshire Business Market and Harrogate Christmas Market, now both run separately.
In normal times, Harrogate and District Chamber of Commerce offers a monthly meeting to all its members, including regular ‘speed networking’ sessions and topics to support business growth. It has been offering online meetings since mid-2020.
It is run by a management group of volunteers drawn from member businesses, led by the CEO, which meets quarterly.
