Debra, of Old Ravenfield in Rotherham, will be responsible for managing and obtaining key public funded contracts and commercial contracts for the Chamber.

Her position is a new role within the Chamber, with Debra supporting the work of Paul Reeves, the Chamber’s Head of Business Development.

Debra arrives from after spending the last ten years at the Rotherham-based Music Factory Entertainment Group, where her final position was Director of Business Development.

Debra has had a number of commercial roles throughout her career and worked in public sector environments, including the Local Education Authority on developing career guidance platforms during her spell at The Music Factory.

She said: “This is a great development opportunity and I am looking forward to handling key accounts and searching for new funding opportunities that will fit with the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce’s wide portfolio of services.

“My role will include looking for new contracts and bringing in new revenue by winning public funded and commercial tenders.

“Sheffield Chamber of Commerce is a great organisation which provides valuable support and benefits to business in South Yorkshire and I am keen to play my part in the future success of the company.”

Paul Reeves, Head of Business Development at the Chamber, added: “We are delighted to bring someone with the experience and knowledge that Debra has on board. I’m sure she will be a real asset, not only to the Chamber, but also to the business community in Sheffield.”