Miranda Barker named as new East Lancs Chamber chief executive

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has appointed Miranda Barker as its new chief executive, following the retirement of Mike Damms who held the role for 23 years.

David Sharpe, president of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “We are delighted, after an exhaustive process, to have been able to appoint someone of Miranda’s calibre and who knows the area well. We are confident that, building on Mike Damms’ legacy, she will successfully lead the Chamber and East Lancashire into a stronger future.”

For more than 20 years Miranda has been intrinsically involved with Chambers, ranging from Wigan and Greater Manchester, to Halton, Liverpool and East Lancashire. She has worked as a board member, president, council and assembly member, as a bidding partner and as a policy adviser.

Miranda has been the owner of an SME, a director within a Plc, and an environmental consultant. She’s worked closely with clients across a wide range of manufacturing environments, from chemicals and food to advanced manufacturing here in East Lancashire. Customers and projects span from France, Sweden, Switzerland, and Holland, to Sri Lanka, Brazil, America and China, including promoting the export of UK innovations in renewable energy.

She has been involved (including coincidentally a period operating out of Red Rose Court, now the Chamber’s HQ) in successful area based programmes of proactive environmental support to small and large firms, creating financial benefit for both manufacturers and technology adopters across the region.

Miranda understands the perennial problems of a Chamber as an entity, balancing vibrant activities for a wide portfolio of members, ranging from international trade and manufacturing support, to quality training products and bespoke services, whilst driving effective regional and nationally focused policy campaigns.

On accepting the post of chief executive Miranda said: “I look forward greatly to working with the council, local business community, public sector and partners, and of course the chamber staff here in East Lancashire over the coming years.” Miranda will officially take up the role on April 1.