Leisure marine boss Mandy appointed president at Hampshire Chamber AGM as Peter steps down

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has appointed Mandy Boughton, managing director of Ancasta Yacht Services, to the voluntary ambassadorial role of president.

The news came during the chamber’s annual general meeting (AGM) at the Lainston House Hotel in Winchester, with local businesspeople Alpa Shingadia and Zulfiya Truscott also made non-executive directors.

Mandy brings to the role more than 30 years’ experience in leisure marine, with managerial experience in business development, operations, sales and customer service.

Her priorities as president are to ensure that “members and prospective members across our fantastic region continue to view the chamber as the go-to destination for essential advice and support”.

She added: “I’m keen to see more members, especially SMEs, seize the opportunities afforded by economic growth and prosperity.”

Mandy replaces Peter Taylor, senior partner at law firm Paris Smith, who’s standing down from the role after three years – but will remain on the board for another year.

Ross McNally, chief executive and executive chair of Hampshire Chamber, said: “Both Mandy and Peter are outstanding individuals with highly successful careers who have shown steadfast support for the chamber and the wider business community.

“We pay a heartfelt tribute to Peter for being a truly inspirational president for the past three years and working so hard on our behalf.

“At the same time, we welcome Mandy to the role, an ideal opportunity for her to champion the chamber’s engagement with outside organisations, hold fellow directors to account and provide corporate governance.”

As for the new non-executive directors, Alpa is fractional commercial director for Farnborough business consultancy Rizing Star and chairs the chamber’s Rushmoor & Hart business strategy group.

Zulfiya is regional general manager for flexible workspace provider BizSpace and performs the same role on the chamber’s Winchester & District group.

Ross added: “We look forward to working more closely with Alpa and Zulfiya and applying their experience, knowledge, ideas and energy for the benefit of members across Hampshire.”

The AGM was also an opportunity to review the chamber’s achievements and business performance over the year.

The organisation has increased its events and training income by around 35 per cent which, along with membership subscriptions, took turnover to just under £800,000 and generated profits of £34,679.

Guests also learned that the chamber-led Solent local skills improvement plan (LSIP) has directly supported more than 100 employers and engaged with almost 1,000 businesses, as well as 5,000 pupils and young people.

• hampshirechamber.co.uk