Confidence is on the rise in the Cannock Chase area - with positive indicators across the board. The increasing number of new businesses in Cannock Chase and South Staffordshire – such as the huge McArthurGlen Designer Outlet development - demonstrates the area’s ongoing appeal.
Skills development is a top priority within the Cannock Chase Chamber. We believe that fostering strong connections between businesses, schools and our area’s talented young individuals will harbour great success!
By working with key businesses, institutions, local organisations and stakeholders such as South Staffordshire College, Skills Staffordshire and Josh newbury MP, We Are Staffordshire, Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire County Council and the Cannock Town Centre Partnership - we’re helping to make sure Cannock Chase firms have a louder and more prominent voice throughout Cannock, Hednesford, Rugeley and the wider Greater Birmingham Divisional Chamber regions in the South and East of Staffordshire, in Birmingham and beyond.
Join us today as we empower young people and work to achieve incredible potential in the Cannock Chase area. Find out more about how we can achieve great things together, today.
Richard Brooks
Head of Cannock Chase
Tel: 07796242029
Cannock Chase Charity of the Year
The Mel Evans MBE foundation
The Mel Evans MBE foundation honours the legacy of Mel Evans MBE, a champion Crown Green Bowler responsible for bringing the sport to TV with more than 100 caps for Staffordshire County.
The aim of the foundation is to spread awareness of MND while organising dedicated bowling events to raise funds for research and promote Crown Green Bowls at a grassroot level.
It was founded by Mel’s wife Lynn Pritchatt, following his death. Both Mel and Lynn have enjoyed illustrious careers in the sport and spearheaded media coverage on platforms including Sky TV and Channel 4.
Since Mel’s passing, the Crown Green Bowling community has rallied around the foundation, helping raise more than £100,000 for MND research.
- Website:
- melevansfoundation.org.uk/
Cannock Chase patrons
Latest News
Meet the Cannock Chase Committee
DAVID MITCHELL - CANNOCK CHASE PRESIDENT
David Mitchell is a highly experienced Managing Director, marketing strategist, and Chartered Institute of Marketing Fellow. He specialises in business consultancy, brand positioning, and creative direction, and he also focuses on web strategy, design, and creating focused content. His full-service agency offers comprehensive marketing and communication services, including graphic and web design for print and on-screen and retained services to help clients maximise the impact of their marketing. As President of the Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, David passionately advocates for local businesses, supporting them in developing effective marketing strategies for sustainable growth.
With a hands-on approach, David provides businesses with the information and tools to create, develop and differentiate their brands, attract clients, and build long-term success. As president of the Cannock Chase Chamber, he shares valuable insights and resources from the Greater Birmingham Chambers network, encouraging businesses to engage, collaborate, and make the most of their Chamber membership. His leadership helps ensure that Cannock remains a dynamic and prosperous business hub.
GILL DURKIN
Gill Durkin is a senior leader at Cannock-based training provider Performance Through People, bringing extensive experience in skills development, business engagement, and workforce training. A longstanding member of the Cannock Chase Chamber, she has previously served as President and Vice President, playing a key role in championing local business growth.
With deep connections to the education and skills sector, Gill provides valuable insights on funding opportunities, workforce training, and regional skills initiatives. Her commitment to strengthening business and education links ensures Cannock continues to attract investment and talent. As an Executive Council member, she remains dedicated to supporting local businesses in developing their workforce and securing long-term success.
CHRIS WHEELER
Chris Wheeler is a seasoned Cost Management Consultant at Auditel, bringing over 20 years of procurement and supply chain experience to the Cannock Chase business community. Specialising in cost reduction and carbon management, Chris works with organisations to implement smarter financial strategies while reducing their environmental impact.
Beyond his professional role, Chris is passionate about sustainability and business efficiency. As a member of the Chamber’s Executive Council, he supports local businesses by providing insights into cost management, procurement best practices, and carbon reduction strategies. An active member of the Cannock Chase community, Chris combines business expertise with a passion for outdoor pursuits, including mountain biking on Cannock Chase.
BEN BRADLEY
Ben Bradley is the Managing Director of Cosmik Carrot, a specialist in web design, development, and digital strategy. With a strong foundation in WordPress design and SEO, Ben helps businesses transform underperforming websites into powerful digital assets that drive growth and engagement.
Ben’s expertise spans website optimisation, e-commerce solutions, and search engine performance, ensuring clients gain maximum visibility online. By integrating smart technologies such as membership platforms, payment gateways, and digital marketing tools, he provides tailored solutions that enhance online presence. As a member of the Cannock Chase Chamber Executive Council, Ben brings his deep knowledge of digital transformation and online strategy to support local businesses in navigating the evolving digital landscape.
EMILY KENNY
Emily Kenny is a Partner at Enoch Evans Solicitors and Head of the firm’s Cannock office, specialising in Wills, Tax, and Probate. With extensive experience in estate planning, asset protection, and inheritance tax, she provides tailored legal solutions to help clients secure their financial future. Emily’s expertise ensures individuals and businesses alike receive strategic guidance that safeguards their assets for future generations.
As an advocate for the Cannock business community, Emily is committed to offering professional insight and support to local enterprises. Her role on the Executive Council allows her to contribute valuable legal expertise while ensuring members are informed about estate and tax planning opportunities. Her dedication to personalised service and business engagement makes her a vital voice for the Chamber.
NEIL BETTS
Neil Betts is the founder of Go True North, a business dedicated to helping startups and small enterprises streamline systems, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable growth. With a wealth of experience in lean transformation, strategic planning, and business improvement, Neil supports entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas into successful ventures.
Passionate about fostering business success in Cannock, Neil is actively involved in initiatives such as Vision to Venture, equipping startups with the tools they need to thrive. As a mentor in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s Future Faces programme, he is committed to nurturing the next generation of business leaders. Through his role on the Executive Council, Neil aims to contribute his expertise in business growth, strategy, and community engagement to strengthen the Chamber’s support for local businesses.
MATT SMALL
Matt Small is the Managing Director of T150 Energy and founder of The Payback Scheme, a business dedicated to helping organisations reduce costs while delivering social impact. His work has enabled care homes, schools, charities, and places of worship to secure better energy contracts while reinvesting savings into their essential services.
Passionate about sustainability and community collaboration, Matt has built strong relationships across Cannock Chase, working with organisations like Support Staffordshire and Gurdwara Aid. Through his role on the Executive Council, he aims to bring his expertise in business development and strategic partnerships to support local enterprises, ensuring they benefit from innovative, cost-saving initiatives while contributing positively to the community.
PAM WALLIS
Pam Wallis brings extensive experience in business support, economic development, and grant funding to the Cannock Chase Chamber Executive Council. As an Economic Development Officer for Cannock Chase Council, she works closely with businesses to help them access funding, navigate growth challenges, and drive regeneration projects that benefit the local economy.
Having previously worked for the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Staffordshire Chambers, and the Stoke & Staffordshire Growth Hub, Pam has supported businesses of all sizes across a range of sectors. She has successfully secured funding for numerous organisations and delivered workshops and events to promote business growth. Her expertise in town regeneration and business strategy makes her a valuable asset in shaping the Chamber’s support for local enterprises.
LYNN PRITCHATT
DAVID JACKSON