High Sheriff of Derbyshire opens Commerce House
10th April 2017
Posted on April 10th, 2017
Recounting how she had joined the Chamber of Commerce in the early 1970s when she first moved to the region from Somerset and launched a business, she said: “We were dealing with a French company and you weren’t considered a proper business unless you belonged to a Chamber.”
She said that one of the first things she did was pay her £5 for a training course for company secretaries and the first thing she learned was that she wouldn’t need a shorthand notepad.
“What I learned that day stood me in good stead for the rest of my career,” she said, adding: “I would commend the Chamber to anybody and wish it well in this wonderful building.”
Mrs Hall, whose husband Michael was a previous member of the Chamber Board of Directors, then cut a ribbon over a plaque commemorating the moment.
Introducing Mrs Hall, Chamber President Geoff Poyzer told the dozens of dignitaries gathered for the opening that it was important to have an office that was “fit for purpose”.
He then described the current economic situation, led by Brexit, as the “perfect storm of uncertainty”, adding that “we must shout about this region” because if we don’t there is so much potential that would go elsewhere.
After the formal opening ceremony, the delegates were given guided tours of the new offices, which were fitted out by Chamber Patron Blueprint Interiors.
East Midlands Chamber moved from Canal Wharf, Chesterfield, to the renamed Commerce House, formerly St Andrews House, on Millennium Way, on 24 February.
Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The Chamber needed premises in Chesterfield that were modern, fit-for-purpose, that met the requirements of members for a quality facility in North Derbyshire and which reflect the Chamber’s position as the leading business representation organisation in the Midlands.
“Commerce House gives us an office of which we can be proud and we’re delighted Mrs Hall agreed to officially open it.”
The Chamber, which occupies the ground and first floor of the building is looking for a tenant to occupy over 3,000sq ft of available space on the third floor at Commerce House. Enquiries to Wilkins Hammond Commercial, 01246 555511 or email jwwlishmodcmr@ikn-amn.o or visit www.wilkins-hammond.com.
