Board
After a career in the City, Matthew has acted as consultant to a wide range of industries, start-ups and Community Interest Companies. He also undertakes specialist journalism and other writing.
Michael Robinson is a former print and broadcast journalist with over twenty years experience in communication training. He established New Market Communication in 1993 and works with leading education, scientific and financial organisations, as well as regulatory bodies, international manufacturers and global FMCG producers. In addition to helping specialists communicate with general audiences, he helps them to prepare for media appearances and also produces audio-visual material for corporate websites.
Born and bred in Mildenhall, I joined Whiting and Partners Chartered Accountants in 1986 and have now completed 30 years' service. I am responsible for the management of the Mildenhall Office and was promoted on 1st April 2016 to an Associate of the Firm. I have a wealth of experience in dealing with sole trader, partnership and corporate businesses, encompassing personal tax and tax planning services.
I became a Committee member of the Chamber of Commerce in June 2013 and am responsible for the Mildenhall area for the Chamber.
I have 5 children and a Trustee Director of a local Academy School.
Ian was appointed managing director of Martin Grant Homes UK Ltd ( residential develooment -new house building) in 1985 followed by managing director of Dencora Homes in 1990. Ian then set up his own property consultancy company in Newmarket. In 2005 Ian was residential development Consultant to Peterborough City Council and successfully enabled the development of Council land for 300 new homes. In 2007 Ian joined Cross Keys Homes and developed over 1000 homes as Head of Development.
Ian now helps businesses using his management, mentoring and accountancy skills as well as continuing with some residential development work.
Bill has enjoyed a varied career which started in aviation as a flying instructor for Marshalls before moving on to flying passenger aircraft for Air UK Ltd out of Norwich and London Stansted airports. He later became Flight Operations Director for GB Airways based at London Gatwick and SVP Flight Operations for Qatar Airways in Doha. Bill now runs the successful Cambridge based IP firm Ward Trade Marks with his wife and business partner Rachael.
Tim has bought, sold and developed SME’s in different sectors for almost 20 years, he has been involved in mentoring during that time including voluntary positions in schools and colleges. Whilst believing it’s essential to have fun on the way he has a no-nonsense and pragmatic approach based on his experience of ‘working on the shop floor’. Tim is now a full time business coach and trainer based in Newmarket and is passionate about helping businesses in the region to thrive.
Sophie Able is the Regional Head of Sales for the East region of Jockey Club Racecourses, a position which she took up in January 2013.
She covers the two racecourses in Newmarket – The Rowley Mile and The July Course – as well as Huntingdon, Market Rasen and Nottingham Racecourses. She is responsible for race-day and events and conferences sales across each of the racecourses, including sponsorship, hospitality and restaurants.
When she became Managing Director of Huntingdon Racecourse in 2008 at the age of 26, she became the youngest racecourse manager in Britain.
Steve heads up SME Banking for East England with a team of 150 front line and support staff across the six counties. He has over 30 years experience with the bank and has led teams across Retail, Corporate and Commercial divisions of the bank.
He works closely with the business agencies, media and politicians across the region in supporting the SME agenda and is personally involved in several regional ventures including business mentoring, supporting the curriculum for entrepreneurs of the future.