Colin Marr
Chief Executive
Colin has worked for 35 years in the arts and theatre industry. He was Chief Executive of Eden Court Theatre and Cinema in Inverness for 20 years, where he transformed the building from a single theatre to Scotland’s largest multi-arts centre. Under his leadership, both turnover and audiences tripled and he established the largest creative learning programme in the UK. Prior to joining the Chamber, Colin was Theatre Director of The Edinburgh Playhouse, the UKs largest seated theatre. He led the organisation through several capital development programmes, and the theatre re-opened after Covid in 2021 to record-breaking audiences. He has held a number of board positions and was the founding Chair of Visit Inverness Loch Ness from 2014 to 2017. He is experienced at working with local, Scottish and UK Government, and he is also a qualified coach.
Paula Nicol
Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Events
Paula is an experienced senior manager with a strong business background gained in the private sector across a range of industries. Having originally trained as an interpreter and translator, Paula subsequently worked in business development across Europe with a medical equipment firm, before moving into marketing and event management, where she has more than 20 years’ experience. Prior to joining Inverness Chamber of Commerce in 2005, she spent several years, latterly in a senior management position, running Scotland’s leading trade exhibitions for the giftware, textile and food and drink industries. In her current position, Paula plays a key role in the growth and strategic direction of the Chamber, and as Head of Events, is responsible for developing and leading the Chamber’s wide ranging business events programme.
Eilidh Alexander
Head of Membership
Talia Bagnall
Membership Manager
Talia grew up in Inverness and studied languages at the University of St Andrews. She graduated in 2020 and worked with the Scottish Ambulance Service during the Covid pandemic.
She joins us from the luxury fashion industry, where she looked after French Couture client accounts. She is very excited to use this experience to support local businesses in Inverness, and hopes to build lasting and rewarding relationships with our members.
In her free time, Talia enjoys music and theatre, and is hoping to get back involved in Inverness’ vibrant am-dram scene!
Carrie MacWilliam
Marketing & Communications Manager
In January 2024 we welcomed Carrie as our new Marketing & Communications Manager. Joining us from The Glenmorangie Company’s corporate communication team, Carrie lived and worked in Edinburgh for 16 years before moving with her family to Inverness in 2023. Carrie brings with her nearly 20 years of experience in both agency and in-house Corporate Communication roles for organisations including VisitScotland and The City of Edinburgh Council.
Carrie leads Inverness Chamber’s new weekly digest, The Pulse, and the day-to-day management of its social media channels and media relations. Carrie is responsible for the Chamber’s communications strategy that supports its wider role and services at a local, regional and national level.
Kara Falconer
Events Manager
Originally from the Isle of Skye, Kara moved to Inverness in 2012, where she started her career in the food and drink sector before moving into hotel management. Kara has always had an eye for detail and her time in hospitality has only furthered this along with her organisational skills.
Kara originally joined the Chamber’s international team in 2019 before becoming Membership & Events Coordinator in 2021 and finally Events Manager in 2022. Kara’s role at the Chamber is to handle the administration and marketing of events and to produce the Chamber’s quarterly magazine, inbusiness. She is also the third member of our international team offering support and documentation to companies exporting overseas.
Sarah Findlay
International Programmes Manager
Originally from Edinburgh, Sarah graduated from the University of Stirling in 2016. Since graduating, Sarah has developed project management and organisational skills through the co-ordination of large infrastructure projects for a conveyancing firm based in Edinburgh.
Sarah joined Inverness Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and is responsible for managing and developing the Chamber’s international trade programmes to help achieve strategic and operational goals. Through running the day to day elements of the Highlands & Islands Export Partnership, International Trade Mission projects, International Trade Training and delivering Export documentation and customs paperwork, Sarah works with a broad range of businesses across the Highlands and Islands to support with their international trade ambitions. Sarah enjoys working closely with other Highlands and Islands based agencies to ensure our business community has access to international trade support.
Changu Mosojane-Martin
International Trade Administrator
Changu is originally from Botswana and moved to Scotland in 2006. She volunteered as an Adviser at Citizens Advice Bureau whilst attending University. Having graduated from the University of the West of Scotland with a B.A. (Hons) in Law in 2014, she went on to study masters in International Law & Security at the University of Glasgow.
Prior to joining Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Changu worked in a law firm in Glasgow where she gained extensive experience and skills which played a key role in the successful running of the office.
In her current role Changu assists with the delivery of export documentation and customs declaration services. Furthermore, Changu provides support to businesses from all sectors with their technical enquiries as well as assisting with the planning and delivery of the International Trade events such as training and trade missions.
Rita Deo
Finance Manager
Rita is an experienced financial addition to the team having worked across Private, Public and Charity sectors. Driven by supporting her colleagues, she takes pride in delivering a high standard of service to her employers and all Members of the Chamber. She has been recognised for her extraordinary commitment in her previous roles.