Board Members

With a career based in finance in Norfolk for more than two decades and across a variety of businesses, Alton brings financial acumen, strategic leadership to the Norfolk Chambers board.

As Finance Director at GeoAcoustics, a Great Yarmouth-based specialist in sonor systems, Alton oversees international trade operations. In 2023, GeoAcoustics was awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

In his role as Treasurer, Alton plays a vital role in translating financial insights into long‑term Chamber strategy, helping to ensure that member services evolve and align with the needs of Norfolk businesses. Alton believes that the Chamber is essential to the region’s success from start‑ups to SMEs and global exporters. He is committed to enhancing its ability to bring together businesses from across the region, advocate for smart policy on a wider scale, and champion economic growth across Norfolk’s diverse business landscape.

Alton shared: “I’m extremely pleased to be joining the board of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. Having worked in finance in Norfolk for my entire professional career and across a number of sectors – from banking, insurance and professional services, to manufacturing and offshore energy. I have seen first hand that the challenges faced by businesses are the same regardless of industry or size, and I believe that the Chambers are well-positioned to be representative of each and every business in Norfolk regardless of shape or size or sector. These challenges (and the opportunities presented by those challenges) continue to evolve and so too does the Chamber, and I am excited to be able to support the Chamber through its next phase.”

Dr Catherine Richards is Principal and CEO at East Norfolk Sixth Form College in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth.  She spent her early career working in utilities and banking before moving into Further Education as a teacher.  She is passionate about education and training.  Her aims is to make sure that all young people, regardless of their backgrounds, are able to gain work-related skills that will help them to be more socially mobile.

‘Education and skills are so important in Norfolk and by joining the Board I would like to use my knowledge to help bring businesses and young people closer together for the benefit of all.’

View East Norfolk Sixth Form College directory here

I’m the Managing Director at Westcotec, we design, manufacture, and install Intelligent Traffic Safety and Smart City equipment.

I joined the Sales Team at Westcotec having retired from the police after 30yrs service in 2015.

My final role was as Chief Inspector, Head of Roads Policing and Firearms Operations for Norfolk and Suffolk Police.

I’m married with 2 grown up children, my daughter is a solicitor, and my son works at Westcotec in a Business Development Role.

I became MD at Westcotec on the retirement of the founder and oversaw the transition into Employee Ownership, that being completed in December 2018

I have a truly national network through my company, and this is starting to expand internationally too. I can look at best practice, innovation and different approaches to problems and issues.

The Chamber of Commerce has been incredibly helpful in me being able to quickly learn from more experienced business leaders having been somewhat thrust in at the deep end of business management. I intend to work towards ensuring that it can continue that supporting role particularly for new businesses and new managers/owners. 

I attend numerous events organised by the Chamber and will continue to do so in my new role on the Board.

View Westcotec Ltd’s directory here

Alex moved to Norfolk in 2013, joining the Klyne Aviation Group based at Norwich Airport, which includes the SaxonAir aviation businesses. Activities include UK Fixed Wing & Rotary Chater, Passenger Handling, Training and Office/Hangar Rental.

An Honours graduate of Birmingham University, he has a Diploma in Management Studies from Oxford Brookes University and is an alumnus of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme and Unicorn School.

He is also Vice Chair of the British Business & General Aviation Association (BBGA) and an Aviation Ambassador for the Department for Transport.

He believes there’s significant untapped potential in Norfolk, and that businesses can drive growth to raise aspirations and opportunities across the community.

View SaxonAir Charter Ltd’s directory here

Lizzy is Head of Corporate Events at Huxley Event which specialises in corporate team building events, team development and event management.

 She has organised over 500 immersive events in her 10 years in events working with businesses from FTSE 100’s, to SME’s focusing on strengthening teams.

“I feel incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work with such a thriving and supportive organisation with an amazingly bright future. The journey over the next few years is definitely going to be exciting and I’m looking forward to helping represent the voice of Norfolk businesses to help the chambers go from strength to strength (especially SME’s, female led businesses and supporting young people in business).”

View the Huxley Events Directory

Carole is the founder of MAD-HR; an outsourced HR consultancy with a highly experienced team that operate from offices throughout the East of England.

An award-winning business owner with over 30 years’ experience leading HR strategy and delivery for a broad range of organisations in the corporate and SME sector.

“I am deeply honoured to be invited to join the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce Board.

We have a growing number of clients who are based in Norfolk, and I very much hope my role on the board will continue to ensure the voices of these and so many organisations can be reflected and heard on both local and national issues.

Norfolk Chamber has such an admirable track record of making a difference to businesses across the eastern region through its customer centric approach. This accords with the values and approach of my own company, and so it was a natural choice when looking to give back.”

View the MAD-HR Directory here

I have been involved in many businesses and sectors after leading a corporate life and I really want to make a difference in skilling Norfolk’s workforce to be World class, something I feel very passionate about. I pride myself on my ability to solve problems through creative thoughts and experience.

“By joining the Chambers Board, I hope this will allow me to make a considerable contribution towards Norfolk’s economy.”

Turning Factor are one of our Strategic Partners

View the Turning Factor Directory 

Promotes the work of the Chamber and its members to the local and national media. Provides guidance on governance issues and liaises with other Chambers to co-ordinate policy positions. Builds mutually beneficial relationships with partner organisations, including Gold Patrons. Ensures the smooth running of all board meetings and supports the Chamber Area Councils.

“My focus is on ensuring the Chamber represents the interests of all its members, both locally and nationally.”

Jack is the Chief Operating Officer at the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.

Find out more about Jack here.

Chartered Civil Engineer, with 28 years’ experience of working with private and public sector clients. Special interest in infrastructure projects, particularly transportation, flood, energy, utilities, drainage and environmental protection. Chair of the Chamber’s Transport & Infrastructure and Planning & Development Groups.

“I’m keen to encourage more people in Norfolk to pursue a rewarding career in our thriving engineering sector.”