Member Article

New president of the Chamber vows to support firms across Coventry and Warwickshire after being sworn in

The new president of a leading business organisation says he will leave no stone unturned to help firms across Coventry and Warwickshire emerge strongly from the Coronavirus crisis.

Tom Mongan, General Manager of manufacturing company Subcon Laser in Nuneaton, has taken over from property expert David Penn, of Bromwich Hardy, who has held the post for two years.

Tom praised the work of his predecessor and there were good times ahead for business on the back of the worst economic and health crisis in living memory.

He said: “It really is an honour for me to take up this role. David has done an incredible job in difficult circumstances and I have big shoes to fill – and that includes those who have filled the role going back in time.

“I become president at a time of crisis but, hopefully, as we are emerging from it with an opportunity to start our economy growing again.

“I am a local lad and have great confidence in this region to come back strong. We have City of Culture on the horizon, which I am really looking forward to, and then the Commonwealth Games, but will provide some added impetus.

“We have so many amazing businesses, two great universities and we are at the forefront of so many industries and initiatives – we are even the place where the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine was given.

“That said, we cannot be complacent and believe that the economy will simply rebuild itself once the vaccine is rolled out. It is going to take a great deal of hard work and the region coming together as one.

“In my view, the Chamber of Commerce has a more important role to play than ever before in speaking up for businesses and supporting them to grow out of this crisis. “As president, I will make myself available to any business that wants my help – no matter how big or which sector they are in. I will leave no stone unturned to help businesses across the patch to start growing again.

“There is such a strong team at the Chamber offering help for start-ups, for those that trade internationally, for firms that need to go digital, for companies that need to take the next steps in their growth and in providing opportunities to find new customers and suppliers through networking.

“There is no question that there are challenges ahead but I am a positive that Coventry and Warwickshire can meet those head on and our economy can emerge stronger in 2021.” Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s great to welcome Tom Mongan as our new president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

“He has a passion for manufacturing, which is a crucial sector for our patch, but he will serve firms of all sizes and sectors across Coventry and Warwickshire, supported by our board that is made up of business people that represent a wide variety of businesses in the region.

“Having that range of people on our board means we can understand the needs to companies across Coventry and Warwickshire and be their voice to decision-makers. “As well as welcoming Tom as president, I would also like to thank David Penn for all of his work during his time in the role and I know he will continue to play an active role within the Chamber.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .