Chief executive of Knowsley Chamber, Lesley Martin-Wright, announces her planned retirement as chamber chair Alan Seeley praises her ‘outstanding contribution’ to the city region. Tony McDonough reports

After 14 years at the helm of Knowsley Chamber, and as the borough’s head of business growth, Lesley Martin-Wright is to retire at the end of June.

One of the best-known figures in the Liverpool city region business community, Lesley says the timing of her departure has been long-planned. She retires from the chamber having significantly grown membership numbers and built up “robust” cash reserves.

And Lesley also issued a “watch this space” message adding she is hoping to continue to be involved in Knowsley in a new capacity.

She took up the role of chief executive at the chamber in 2010 and became head of business growth at Knowsley Council in 2015. She said the dual role had proved to be “extremely beneficial” to both organisations and the wider business community.

Knowsley Chamber and Knowsley Council are keen to continue with this operational model and a recruitment campaign will shortly begin to find a successor.

“I am enormously proud of the achievements that have been made over the last few years,” said Lesley. “I want to extend my thanks and gratitude to everyone who has supported me through these years.

“That includes chamber members, the board, the council, stakeholders, and, of course, my terrific colleagues. Here in Knowsley, we define success quite simply as being a place where people want to work, live, invest and visit.

“While we may be a small team, we have developed one of the most successful business support organisations in the Liverpool city region, and Knowsley has responded well to economic change and the challenges over the last few years.

We’re proud to say that our strengths are based on global and local firms, large and small, manufacturing as well as services, the old as well as the new economy.

“After my retirement I am hoping to be involved with Knowsley in a new capacity, and of course I will be able to dedicate more time to my voluntary roles.”

As well as the growth in membership and cash reserves, Lesley has also overseen the launch of the Knowsley Youth Chamber and the creation of new strategic partnerships.

She also served as Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside and  from April 2022 to March 2023 she also held the title of High Sheriff of Merseyside.

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Paying tribute to Lesley, chamber chair Alan Seeley added: “I would like to recognise Lesley Martin-Wright’s outstanding contribution both to Knowsley Chamber, Knowsley Borough, and the wider Liverpool city region.

“Her expertise coupled with her desire to serve has ensured the partnership between Knowsley Council and Knowsley Chamber has been and will continue to be a success.

“On behalf of the board of directors I want to thank Lesley for everything she has done and wish her continued success in the future. Lesley leaves a legacy we are keen to continue and to build upon.”