Executive Commitee
Name: Heather Thirtle
Chamber Position: President
Length of Service: 35 years
Company: Heather Thirtle FRICS - Chartered Valuation Surveyor and Estate Agent
Bio: I live and work in Buckhurst Hill - I am president of the Buckhurst Hill Historical Society, a member of the Buckhurst Hill Baptist church. I enjoy painting, photography, short story writing, kite flying, country shows, my MX5 and my two poodles named Percy Palmerston and Winston Buckland.
Chamber Position: President
Length of Service: 35 years
Company: Heather Thirtle FRICS - Chartered Valuation Surveyor and Estate Agent
Bio: I live and work in Buckhurst Hill - I am president of the Buckhurst Hill Historical Society, a member of the Buckhurst Hill Baptist church. I enjoy painting, photography, short story writing, kite flying, country shows, my MX5 and my two poodles named Percy Palmerston and Winston Buckland.
Brings to the Chamber: An intimate knowledge of the Epping Forest area and the business community. Expertise in aspects appertaining to my work. Links with members
Aims / Goals: Keep fit and continue to enjoy a full life. To continue to give a professional service to my clients. To see the Chamber membership increased thoughout all the Epping Forest area.
Name: Iggy Quazi
Chamber Position: Chairman
Length of Service: Chairman since June 2008, Executive Committee since 2002, Member since 2000
Company: M2H Consulting - Business Management Consultant to SME's (Small to Medium Enterprises), specialising in business growth, eCommerce and online marketing.
Bio: Iggy has been an entrepreneur and executive manager in the SME, retail and consumer services environment for 20+ years. Over the period he has established and operated multiple businesses across three countries, his forte is in maximising business potential, driving growth and usually on to complete a successful sale. From 2000 he has also specialised in ecommerce and is an innovative and capable online & ecommerce professional having started-up, developed and recently sold his own multi-award winning ecommerce company. Since 2007 Iggy has been a freelance consultant providing business advice and support to SME's on ecommerce and business management.
Length of Service: Chairman since June 2008, Executive Committee since 2002, Member since 2000
Company: M2H Consulting - Business Management Consultant to SME's (Small to Medium Enterprises), specialising in business growth, eCommerce and online marketing.
Bio: Iggy has been an entrepreneur and executive manager in the SME, retail and consumer services environment for 20+ years. Over the period he has established and operated multiple businesses across three countries, his forte is in maximising business potential, driving growth and usually on to complete a successful sale. From 2000 he has also specialised in ecommerce and is an innovative and capable online & ecommerce professional having started-up, developed and recently sold his own multi-award winning ecommerce company. Since 2007 Iggy has been a freelance consultant providing business advice and support to SME's on ecommerce and business management.
Brings to the Chamber: "I am a strong believer in the value of independent businesses and the important role they play in our local communities. The local Chamber of Commerce is ideally placed to foster this relationship and play a facilitating role. I have always supported the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce and now hope to contribute more with my time, energy, commercial knowledge and contacts to build on our strengths and deliver more for our members."
Aims / Goals: Personal goals "quite simple really, maintain good health, enjoy my family and friends, pay the bills, oh - and have some me time to enjoy riding my motorbike!"
Business goals "to establish new ventures and continue to enjoy my work"
Chamber goals "to make a difference and benefit as many members as we can"
Name: Matt Grossmith
Chamber Position: Executive Committee / Representative for North Weald
Length of Service: Member Since 2000, Executive Commitee since 2008
Company: Connective Software Ltd - Connective Software is an internet development company. Working with several top end design studios and marketing agencies they create business centric websites and information systems.
Bio: After a 15 year career working for one of the major London direct marketing agencies Matt struck out on his own to form Connective Software in 1997. Realising that marketing was moving from a print media format to an electronic format Matt felt confident that the time was right utilise his marketing skills and technology background to embrace the exciting new world of the internet. Since then the company has grown both literally and in stature within the marketing and technology fields.
Brings to the Chamber: "I have always supported my local Chamber of Commerce and after several years of receiving assistance and guidance from them I felt it was time to repay the favour. Hopefully by using our technical knowledge and experience in the online world we can help both the Chamber and its members communicate more effective and guide them through the complex maze of conducting business online."
Aims / Goals: "My personal goals are probably the same as most people, stay healthy, enjoy family life and try to pay the bills! As for business goals, the sector we work in is continually changing. The main aim is to keep up with these changes, absorb new information and bring these new opportunities to our clients in an easy to digest manner." On his aims for the chamber Matt said "I hope to be able to assist in bringing the Chamber to a wider audience. By using the same techniques we use with our corporate clients I feel we should be able to enhance the Chambers online presence and build a more active membership"
Chamber Position: Executive Committee / Representative for North Weald
Length of Service: Member Since 2000, Executive Commitee since 2008
Company: Connective Software Ltd - Connective Software is an internet development company. Working with several top end design studios and marketing agencies they create business centric websites and information systems.
Bio: After a 15 year career working for one of the major London direct marketing agencies Matt struck out on his own to form Connective Software in 1997. Realising that marketing was moving from a print media format to an electronic format Matt felt confident that the time was right utilise his marketing skills and technology background to embrace the exciting new world of the internet. Since then the company has grown both literally and in stature within the marketing and technology fields.
Brings to the Chamber: "I have always supported my local Chamber of Commerce and after several years of receiving assistance and guidance from them I felt it was time to repay the favour. Hopefully by using our technical knowledge and experience in the online world we can help both the Chamber and its members communicate more effective and guide them through the complex maze of conducting business online."
Aims / Goals: "My personal goals are probably the same as most people, stay healthy, enjoy family life and try to pay the bills! As for business goals, the sector we work in is continually changing. The main aim is to keep up with these changes, absorb new information and bring these new opportunities to our clients in an easy to digest manner." On his aims for the chamber Matt said "I hope to be able to assist in bringing the Chamber to a wider audience. By using the same techniques we use with our corporate clients I feel we should be able to enhance the Chambers online presence and build a more active membership"
Name: John Price
Chamber Position: Joint Vice Chairman
Length of Service: NA
Company: Epcot Images - Image library, commercial photography and video services
Bio: John has worked as a corporate photographer all of his working life. Starting in publishing he then travelled worldwide working for large industrial clients on major projects providing photography for annual reports and brochures and audio visual programs for exhibitions and promotions. His work became "digital" in 1996 and he worked extensively for photographic libraries providing high quality images. In the last few years he has become strongly involved in conservation projects and education.
Brings to the Chamber: As a photographer I support the Chamber providing images of events, as a member I hope that I bring integrity and support and friendship to other members. The Chamber is a place where new friends and business can develop. The help that I have received is invaluable, the Chamber is a organisation with a lot of experienced people who freely give up their time to help others
Aims / Goals: I feel very strongly about the need to provide a safe and peaceful world for our young people. Helping to provide education and community involvement in conservation projects creates a healthy approach to living. Giving schools and local communities the chance to be involved in art and design and discover our many country parks and nature reserves is a way of building responsibility and love for the natural world. My aim for the Chamber is to provide integrity, stability and support to it's members and to encourage new members to see the value of membership in a long established (60 years) Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber Position: Joint Vice Chairman
Length of Service: NA
Company: Epcot Images - Image library, commercial photography and video services
Bio: John has worked as a corporate photographer all of his working life. Starting in publishing he then travelled worldwide working for large industrial clients on major projects providing photography for annual reports and brochures and audio visual programs for exhibitions and promotions. His work became "digital" in 1996 and he worked extensively for photographic libraries providing high quality images. In the last few years he has become strongly involved in conservation projects and education.
Brings to the Chamber: As a photographer I support the Chamber providing images of events, as a member I hope that I bring integrity and support and friendship to other members. The Chamber is a place where new friends and business can develop. The help that I have received is invaluable, the Chamber is a organisation with a lot of experienced people who freely give up their time to help others
Aims / Goals: I feel very strongly about the need to provide a safe and peaceful world for our young people. Helping to provide education and community involvement in conservation projects creates a healthy approach to living. Giving schools and local communities the chance to be involved in art and design and discover our many country parks and nature reserves is a way of building responsibility and love for the natural world. My aim for the Chamber is to provide integrity, stability and support to it's members and to encourage new members to see the value of membership in a long established (60 years) Chamber of Commerce.
Name: Louisa Saddler
Chamber Position: Treasurer
Length of Service:18 months
Company: HSBC Bank plc
Bio: Work for the commercial sector within HSBC Bank plc
Brings to the Chamber: I am currently working as a commercial manager for HSBC Bank plc, relationship managing accounts with a Turnover between £500k and £1.5m ranging from Gyms to HR consultant firms. I have worked for HSBC Bank plc for 10 years this year and have no plans to move, given the current climate I am confident that I work for a Bank that has been able to help their customers ride the storm.
Aims / Goals:
Chamber Position: Treasurer
Length of Service:18 months
Company: HSBC Bank plc
Bio: Work for the commercial sector within HSBC Bank plc
Brings to the Chamber: I am currently working as a commercial manager for HSBC Bank plc, relationship managing accounts with a Turnover between £500k and £1.5m ranging from Gyms to HR consultant firms. I have worked for HSBC Bank plc for 10 years this year and have no plans to move, given the current climate I am confident that I work for a Bank that has been able to help their customers ride the storm.
Aims / Goals:
Name: Christine Baker
Chamber Position: Executive Committee
Length of Service: December 2008
Company: We provide PR, Event Management and charity fundraising. One client is the Jack Petchey Foundation www.christenltd.co.uk
Bio: Started media career at 20th Century Fox, then BBC Radio and lastly in BBC TV, live programmes. Fifteen years in the voluntary sector as professional charity fundraiser, definitely been there and got the t-shirt. Based in Langston Road, started the company in 2001 with husband Steve who provides all the technical whizz for events.
Brings to the Chamber: I am keenly aware that local businesses in EFDC need to be supported and believe the Chamber has much to offer but only if people know about it. PR will significantly increase profile and awareness which will help our aims and objectives.
Aims / Goals: We are working through tough times so helping and supporting each other is a must. Now we have moved house to Theydon Bois, really enjoying life in the village. Governor at Davenant School and considered a mover and shaker.
Chamber Position: Executive Committee
Length of Service: December 2008
Company: We provide PR, Event Management and charity fundraising. One client is the Jack Petchey Foundation www.christenltd.co.uk
Bio: Started media career at 20th Century Fox, then BBC Radio and lastly in BBC TV, live programmes. Fifteen years in the voluntary sector as professional charity fundraiser, definitely been there and got the t-shirt. Based in Langston Road, started the company in 2001 with husband Steve who provides all the technical whizz for events.
Brings to the Chamber: I am keenly aware that local businesses in EFDC need to be supported and believe the Chamber has much to offer but only if people know about it. PR will significantly increase profile and awareness which will help our aims and objectives.
Aims / Goals: We are working through tough times so helping and supporting each other is a must. Now we have moved house to Theydon Bois, really enjoying life in the village. Governor at Davenant School and considered a mover and shaker.
Name: Hasnain Khalid
Chamber Position: Executive Committee
Length of Service: March 2009
Company: Anami Law - LAW FIRM/ LEGAL SERVICES
Bio:I qualified as a Solicitor in 2003 and am the Managing Partner of Anami Law.
I am a specialist commercial property solicitor and can advise clients on the following:
I have acted for both national and international clients and has a wealth of experience in property related transactions
Brings to the Chamber: I would like to think I bring a fresh approach to the Chamber as I have a commercial as well as legal background.
Aims / Goals: Personal: Building a highly successful regional law firm and to gain the respect of my fellow businessmen and women in the local area.
Business Chamber: To contribute where I can to the member of the Chamber and its stakeholders.
Chamber Position: Executive Committee
Length of Service: March 2009
Company: Anami Law - LAW FIRM/ LEGAL SERVICES
Bio:I qualified as a Solicitor in 2003 and am the Managing Partner of Anami Law.
I am a specialist commercial property solicitor and can advise clients on the following:
- Landlord and Tenant matters;
- Business Sales and Purchases;
- Development and plot sales;
- Hotel and Leisure;
- Property Portfolio management;
- Secured Lending; and
- High value residential property transactions.
I have acted for both national and international clients and has a wealth of experience in property related transactions
Brings to the Chamber: I would like to think I bring a fresh approach to the Chamber as I have a commercial as well as legal background.
Aims / Goals: Personal: Building a highly successful regional law firm and to gain the respect of my fellow businessmen and women in the local area.
Business Chamber: To contribute where I can to the member of the Chamber and its stakeholders.
Name: Andrew J Cross
Chamber Position: Executive Committee
Length of Service: 2009
Company: The Catamaran Partnership Ltd - Advertising, Marketing and design
Bio:Creative Director of Major London and Australasian Ad Agencies and worked on many global accounts, creating successful campaigns in Europe, far east and US. Has run a successful, UK based Design Agency for the last 15 years working with blue-chip and SME Clients in the UK, Europe, US and Far East. Currently provides planning, strategy and creative input for a variety of Clients and is focussing on the need of local SMEs in order to build a portfolio of business in the UK. Over the past years has specialised in youth and lifestyle communication, style marketing and retail branding. Highly experienced in brand origination and brand building, with a talent for exploiting existing brand opportunities.
Brings to the Chamber: Enthusiasm and the desire to raise the profile of the Chamber in order to provide a service to local businesses that is second to none.
Aims / Goals: To become more involved in local businesses To participate in local matters and instigate changes where applicable.
Chamber Position: Executive Committee
Length of Service: 2009
Company: The Catamaran Partnership Ltd - Advertising, Marketing and design
Bio:Creative Director of Major London and Australasian Ad Agencies and worked on many global accounts, creating successful campaigns in Europe, far east and US. Has run a successful, UK based Design Agency for the last 15 years working with blue-chip and SME Clients in the UK, Europe, US and Far East. Currently provides planning, strategy and creative input for a variety of Clients and is focussing on the need of local SMEs in order to build a portfolio of business in the UK. Over the past years has specialised in youth and lifestyle communication, style marketing and retail branding. Highly experienced in brand origination and brand building, with a talent for exploiting existing brand opportunities.
Brings to the Chamber: Enthusiasm and the desire to raise the profile of the Chamber in order to provide a service to local businesses that is second to none.
Aims / Goals: To become more involved in local businesses To participate in local matters and instigate changes where applicable.
Name: Michael Ray
Chamber Position: Executive Committee
Length of Service: June 2008
Company: Emerald Office Solutions Limited -Emerald is a company that can be your single source supplier for all your Stationery, Computer Consumables, Ink & Laser Toner Cartridges, Furniture and Specialist Orthopaedic Seating Solutions. We have over 18000 office products 95% of our product range is in stock and can be delivered next day free of charge. Whatever your office needs Emerald can supply it. Simply visit www.emeraldonline.co.uk for more information and fantastic savings.
Bio:After working in the industry for 8 years I decided I wanted to start my own business so in 2003 Emerald Office Solutions Ltd began. Emerald has gone from strength to strength and as a result we have built up an enviable reputation for providing excellent products and services. We are the preferred supplier for many Local Governments, NHS & Education Establishments as well as businesses and individuals. Many of which Emerald has supplied since 2003, I am also part of a buying group which enables us to keep our Office Stationery prices competitive and enables us to pass these discounts on to our customers.
In 2007 we achieved our first acquisition of a competing ink and toner supplier and since then our buying power on ink products allows us to pass on even greater savings to our customers.
Brings to the Chamber: As a young entrepreneur, I understand how hard it can be when setting up a company and I can pass on my knowledge and experiences that I have gained which has helped my business to grow. Which can enable me to Help and support the members and local businesses
Aims / Goals: My goal is to be as successful as can be, at whatever I choose to do or whatever life throws at me. Stay healthy and enjoy life. To make Emerald have an even bigger reputation for its outstanding services when dealing with Public Sector Organisations and to not let our standards slip.
Chamber Position: Executive Committee
Length of Service: June 2008
Company: Emerald Office Solutions Limited -Emerald is a company that can be your single source supplier for all your Stationery, Computer Consumables, Ink & Laser Toner Cartridges, Furniture and Specialist Orthopaedic Seating Solutions. We have over 18000 office products 95% of our product range is in stock and can be delivered next day free of charge. Whatever your office needs Emerald can supply it. Simply visit www.emeraldonline.co.uk for more information and fantastic savings.
Bio:After working in the industry for 8 years I decided I wanted to start my own business so in 2003 Emerald Office Solutions Ltd began. Emerald has gone from strength to strength and as a result we have built up an enviable reputation for providing excellent products and services. We are the preferred supplier for many Local Governments, NHS & Education Establishments as well as businesses and individuals. Many of which Emerald has supplied since 2003, I am also part of a buying group which enables us to keep our Office Stationery prices competitive and enables us to pass these discounts on to our customers.
In 2007 we achieved our first acquisition of a competing ink and toner supplier and since then our buying power on ink products allows us to pass on even greater savings to our customers.
Brings to the Chamber: As a young entrepreneur, I understand how hard it can be when setting up a company and I can pass on my knowledge and experiences that I have gained which has helped my business to grow. Which can enable me to Help and support the members and local businesses
Aims / Goals: My goal is to be as successful as can be, at whatever I choose to do or whatever life throws at me. Stay healthy and enjoy life. To make Emerald have an even bigger reputation for its outstanding services when dealing with Public Sector Organisations and to not let our standards slip.
Name: Patrick Moore
Chamber Position: Executive Committee
Length of Service: Jan 2009
Company: Chiro4health Sole Trader Chiropractor - It is a straight-forward method of adjusting the bones of your body to maintain the correct alignment of your spine and to ensure that your body's nerve supply works efficiently. Through these subtle adjustments, chiropractic treatment can relieve pain and discomfort, increase mobility and provide a route to better health.
Bio:Worked as Investment banker for 14 years in London. Following redundancy I was determined to be more in control of my own destiny and through my daughter, who had been unable to sleep continuously through the night for 4 years, I came upon chiropractic. This change of direction has truly been a life changing experience and I am now fortunate enough to be in a profession which is both stimulating and extremely rewarding. My aim is to build my practice while promoting the benefits of chiropractic to all.
Brings to the Chamber: As a relative newcomer running my own business I can see the benefits that a local Chamber of Commerce can offer individuals and companies alike. With a sound financial background I appreciate and understand the need for key connections in business. I will use my abilities to link and promote local businesses to each other.
Aims / Goals: Personal ambitions are to aspire to higher and grater things with the belief that the journey is always ongoing. I truly believe if you want something badly enough you can get it. Once committed though you have to take responsibility. I am committed to raising the awareness of the work of the Chamber and make Epping Chamber of Commerce a voice in the community binging business together.
Chamber Position: Executive Committee
Length of Service: Jan 2009
Company: Chiro4health Sole Trader Chiropractor - It is a straight-forward method of adjusting the bones of your body to maintain the correct alignment of your spine and to ensure that your body's nerve supply works efficiently. Through these subtle adjustments, chiropractic treatment can relieve pain and discomfort, increase mobility and provide a route to better health.
Bio:Worked as Investment banker for 14 years in London. Following redundancy I was determined to be more in control of my own destiny and through my daughter, who had been unable to sleep continuously through the night for 4 years, I came upon chiropractic. This change of direction has truly been a life changing experience and I am now fortunate enough to be in a profession which is both stimulating and extremely rewarding. My aim is to build my practice while promoting the benefits of chiropractic to all.
Brings to the Chamber: As a relative newcomer running my own business I can see the benefits that a local Chamber of Commerce can offer individuals and companies alike. With a sound financial background I appreciate and understand the need for key connections in business. I will use my abilities to link and promote local businesses to each other.
Aims / Goals: Personal ambitions are to aspire to higher and grater things with the belief that the journey is always ongoing. I truly believe if you want something badly enough you can get it. Once committed though you have to take responsibility. I am committed to raising the awareness of the work of the Chamber and make Epping Chamber of Commerce a voice in the community binging business together.
Industrial Chaplins
Name: Rev Michael Gibbs
Chamber Position: Industrial Chaplin
Length of Service: Awaiting Content
Company: Awaiting Content
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Chamber Position: Industrial Chaplin
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Name: Rev Gay Ellis
Chamber Position: Industrial Chaplin
Length of Service: Awaiting Content
Company: Awaiting Content
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Chamber Position: Industrial Chaplin
Length of Service: Awaiting Content
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Honorary Members
Name: Peter Angel
Chamber Position: Honorary Auditor
Length of Service: Honorary Auditor since 1992
Company: Peter Angel & Co
Bio: Awaiting Content
Brings to the Chamber: Awaiting Content
Aims / Goals: Awaiting Content
Chamber Position: Honorary Auditor
Length of Service: Honorary Auditor since 1992
Company: Peter Angel & Co
Bio: Awaiting Content
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Aims / Goals: Awaiting Content