Above: Francis Martin (President of British Chambers of Commerce) and Nick Coburn (President of NI Chamber).

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has announced the appointment of Francis Martin as its new President.

BCC works for the network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK including Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber). BCC’s role is to promote the work of the accredited chamber network; highlighting their position as the leading private provider of support and guidance for potential and existing exporters and to act as a voice for accredited chamber members in Westminster.

Francis is a partner in BDO Northern Ireland and holds more than 20 years’ experience in corporate finance and business strategy development. He was formerly President of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was recently awarded Northern Ireland Dealmaker of the Year 2016.

Francis, who will be the business group’s first President from Northern Ireland in 156 years, was officially appointed at the BCC’s Annual General Meeting yesterday after serving as Vice President since 2013. He succeeds Nora Senior who stands down after three years in post.

Welcoming the appointment, NI Chamber President, Nick Coburn and Chief Executive Ann McGregor MBE said:
“We would like to congratulate Francis Martin on his appointment as President of the British Chambers of Commerce. Francis brings great experience to the role as a former President of NI Chamber, a post he held for two years from 2010. The Board, Council and Executive Team of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce will work in partnership with Francis to ensure that the business voice is heard in the Northern Ireland Assembly and at Westminster.”

Commenting on his appointment as BCC President, Francis Martin said:
“The British Chambers of Commerce is a powerful advocate for the business community and has strongly represented the diverse interests of our members for more than 150 years. In my tenure as President, I will work with my colleagues and government for the benefit of businesses and communities around the country.

“This is a crucial time for the UK economy and the role of the Chambers of Commerce has become vital as a result. Businesses in the UK are resilient and innovative, but it is imperative that actions needed to sustain competitive trade and support long-term growth are identified and taken by policymakers.

“Over recent years, the BCC has forged a dynamic Global Business Network that includes more than 20 counties, from Chile to Vietnam. This vehicle has been advantageous for exports and it is right that UK businesses continue to look for new ways to boost trade and establish new linkages. We are ideally placed to help drive this agenda.

“Equally, the Chambers have been proactive in bridging the gap between education and work regionally and nationally. That work has been commendable and we must accelerate our efforts to empower the pupils of today with the skills to become the workforce and leaders of tomorrow.”

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