Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry Launches New Strategy at 2026 AGM

9th February 2026

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) launched its new 2030 strategy, welcomed Warp Films as keynote speaker and celebrated a year of business at its 168th Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday.

The city’s business community celebrated key accomplishments from the past 12 months at this year’s AGM, which attracted more than 150 attendees and was held at the Memorial Hall, in Sheffield City Hall.

With the purpose to make it easier for Chamber members to do business, SCCI launched its new five-pillar strategy spanning (1) Leading Influence & Advocacy, (2) Connecting Markets & Supply Chains, (3) Enabling Growth & Skills, (4) Building Resilience & Capability and (5) Driving Social Impact. 

Louisa Harrison-Walker, Chief Executive of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Industry said:

“Our new strategy marks an important step forward for our members and our wider community. It is rooted in partnership and purpose – driving delivery by working together, cultivating a genuine sense of belonging, and unifying the support landscape so members can access the right help at the right time.

“We’re stronger together – in so many ways, but when we leverage our collective scale to lead coordinated social impact, we also ensure our combined efforts deliver meaningful, long-term value for our people, our places and the regional economy.”

The event also welcomed keynote speaker Niall Shamma, Chief Operating Officer of Warp Films, who delivered valuable insights on the journey the production company has been on over the last 20 years.

Niall reflected on its successes – amounting to eight Emmys, four Golden Globes, 18 BAFTAs and more – along with the risks which were worth taking along the way, including the decision to remain rooted in Sheffield, where, he said: “you can do great things”.

As part of this year’s AGM, the Chamber thanked outgoing President, Alexis Krachai and welcomed its incoming President, Jerry Cheung. The first President from an ethnic minority background the Chamber has had – he will be focusing on International Trade and inward investment as he begins his two-year term this month.

Jerry said:

“It is a privilege to step into the role of President of the Chamber and represent our members. Sheffield is building strong momentum, but like many cities, it also faces significant challenges that will shape businesses and the wider economy in the years ahead.

“I hope that, through my term as President and my strong commitment to international trade, we can help our members navigate this period, build resilience, and seize new opportunities for growth.”

AGM formalities followed, where the Chamber presented its financial performance and provided members with the opportunity to vote on key matters. It also updated attendees on key activity from the last year.

Last year, the Chamber welcomed 112 new members and supported 801 members in total – including 17 Patrons and 120 Premium Partners.

Celebrating the people behind the Chamber’s work, the AGM welcomed new Chamber council and board members. These people are tasked with promoting the Chamber as the leading business forum within the city region, as well as representing the membership through the work of its various committees and forums.

Chamber council welcomed Sam Earnshaw (re-appointed for her second term), Chloe Wallace, Charlotte Thompson, John Henshall, Becki Ashley, Steve Brown, Martin Collins, Hannah Duraid, Sue Bancroft and Yejide Adewakun.

Roz Davies, from The Green Estate CIC and former Chamber Council member, Rachel Abbott, from Cobra Sport Exhausts & Cobra Manufacturing, and Kate Hill, from Simoda Technology Solutions, were all welcomed to Chamber Board as this year’s incoming Non-Executive Directors (NEDs).

Alexis Krachai, who finished his two-year term as Chamber President. also stepped down from Chamber board after serving eight years, along with Faaiza Ramji who steps down after five years on the board. Thanks were given to highlight their valuable contributions.

Like many other Chambers around the UK, Sheffield Chamber is made up of a community of board members, council members, patrons, and champions working in collaboration to represent and enact change in Sheffield.

The region continues to speak with one voice on all business matters, making Sheffield the best place to do business.

Being a member of Sheffield Chamber ensures your voice is heard and that your views are accurately represented. Get in touch with SCCI to find out more: www.scci.org.uk/contact/