Scottish Chambers of Commerce announces new president

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has announced the appointment of Tim Allan as its new President, taking on the role from Nora Senior who stands down after four years in office.

Mr Allan is chief executive of Unicorn Property Group and the founder and director of Motor Fuel Group, the second largest independent fuel retailer in the UK with more than 370 stations, turning over £2 billion per year.

He also serves as Member on the Court of the University of St. Andrew’s and was previously President of Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce and Chair of Young Enterprise Scotland.

A recipient of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion and a Fellow of the Royal Society for the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, he will serve in the non-exec presidential post with the SCC from April 2017 to March 2019.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Allan, said: “I have long been a proud advocate of the role Chambers of Commerce play in Scotland and around the world and it is a great honour for me to take on the role of President during this critical time for the business community. Across Scotland, businesses are working hard to grow, to keep jobs secure and tap into new markets, and I look forward to utilising my role as President to champion the needs of business and showcase the contributions we make to Scotland’s economy.

“The core part of my role will be informed by tackling the key challenges facing the economic landscape of our country: navigating through an uncertain and ever-shifting investment environment, the need to create a flexible, skilled workforce suited to a modern economy and increasing Scotland’s exporting performance. I look forward to working with both the Scottish and UK Governments to ensure that they provide a platform for the Scottish business community to grow. In turn, Scottish Chambers of Commerce will share business insights with the decision-makers to ultimately ensure that business growth and securing a solid economy are at the top of our Governments’ agendas.”

Nora Senior, outgoing President of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “It has been a privilege to serve as President over the past four years during a time of change and turbulence for business. During my time as President, my business priorities focused on making it simpler for companies to do business internationally, to bring business and education together in true collaboration and raise the profile of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce as a global business network. I believe there has been a significant positive shift in each of these areas with a number of key initiatives now underway led by the Chamber Network in Scotland.

“I am proud of the progress we have made for our young people in Scotland through the Developing Young Workforce groups, the increased opportunities for businesses to trade overseas through the international Chambers of Commerce Network and growing our B2B support through Business Mentoring, which now has over 1,000 experienced business people acting as mentors for ambitious businesses. These are important initiatives which will have a positive impact on business development, skills and economic growth.

“Chambers of Commerce are a strong representative voice for business and I look forward to SCC going from strength to strength under Tim’s leadership.”

Liz Cameron OBE, Director and Chief Executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Tim’s wealth of experience in the private sector and in his additional interests, will bring great value to Scottish Chambers of Commerce and we look forward to working with Tim as we take on the big challenges and opportunities facing our economy.

“On behalf of the Chamber Network, I would like to thank Nora for her spirit of dynamism and entrepreneurialism, which played a pivotal role in achieving key wins for the Scottish business community, particularly in skills and international trade.”