Inverness Chamber of Commerce is inviting nominations from its membership for a new cohort of Directors, as several current Board members reach the end of their term at the Chamber’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday 24 April.
The Chamber is run for the benefit of its members, and Directors play a vital role in ensuring the views and interests of the business community are reflected in decision-making. The Board provides strategic direction, oversees financial and operational performance, and helps shape how the Chamber supports, connects and represents businesses across the Highlands.
This year, the Chamber is particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in legal, HR, energy and infrastructure-related sectors, as well as from women business leaders, as it seeks to maintain a strong balance of skills, perspectives and lived experience at Board level. With Directors Sarah Lilley of Brodies LLP Solicitors and Kirstin MacDonald of Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP Solicitors stepping down at the end of their terms, the Chamber is committed to ensuring continued gender balance and a Board that is truly representative of the wide variety of industries operating across the Highland business community.
Anyone with appropriate experience who is employed by a Chamber member business that has held membership for at least one year is eligible to stand. Prospective Directors should be motivated not only to represent their own organisation, but to act in the interests of their wider sector and the collective ambitions of Highland businesses.
As part of this year’s recruitment, the Chamber is also introducing a refined nomination and evaluation process. A subgroup of the Board will review all nominations, interview a shortlist of candidates, and put forward a recommended slate of Directors to the membership for approval at the AGM. This change has been introduced to help ensure the Board continues to have the right mix of skills, experience and sector insight to support the Chamber’s strategic priorities.
Marc Wilson, President of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said,
“I would like to thank Sarah Lilley and Kirstin MacDonald for their time, energy and dedication to the Chamber and our wider business community. Their contribution has been hugely valued.
“For me, serving on the Board is about giving back to a membership and a region I feel very passionate about. As a Chamber of Commerce, we represent the collective ambition of the Highlands and act as a strong voice at national level on many of the issues that matter most to business.
“As we look ahead to the next phase, in the second year of our current three-year strategy, it’s important that our Board reflects both the diversity of our region and the breadth of expertise across our business base. We are keen to hear from people who can bring fresh perspectives, strong professional experience and a commitment to representing their sector and our membership as a whole.”
Members interested in standing are encouraged to download the briefing pack for further information. An informal conversation with the Chamber’s CEO or President can also be arranged by emailing colin@inverness-chamber.co.uk.
Nomination Process
- Nominations must be submitted by Friday 6 March at 5.00pm
- Nomination forms should be submitted to Paula Nicol, Deputy Chief Executive, by email to paula@inverness-chamber.co.uk, along with confirmation that the nominee is willing to serve on the Board if elected
- All nominations must be supported by two Chamber member companies, other than the nominee’s own organisation
- Nominated representatives should submit:
- A headshot profile photograph
- A short biography
- A statement outlining their reasons for standing for election, the skills and experience they would bring to the Board, and what they hope to gain from serving as a Board member if elected.