By Press Release
The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce has a new President.
Jonathan Thornton, managing director of PC Consultants, was formally sworn into the role at the Chamber’s AGM last Friday. Jonathan succeeds John Allen in the voluntary position. He said: “The Chamber of Commerce has been supporting Island businesses for well over a hundred years. I hope that, during my presidency, I will be able to continue the good work to drive the Island’s economy and represent the views and needs of the business community. I’d like to thank John for his support and leadership during the previous three years and helping us to negotiate the challenges that we all faced.” A high-profile member of the Island’s business community, Jonathan joined Ryde-based technology firm, PC Consultants, more than twenty years ago, working as a Saturday boy. He became managing director of the business in 2010, also serving on the Chamber’s Economic Development Board. A new chairman was also appointed, with Lifeline Alarm Systems’ Mark Lee succeeding Steve Porter in the role, which he has held for almost two decades. The chamber’s chief executive, Steven Holbrook, thanked John and Steve for their years of work and reflected on the previous year, with more events and increased emphasis on the value of membership. He said: “The chamber hasn’t been immune from the impact of an uncertain few years, but looking back on the last financial year we are in a good position with healthy membership numbers. The return of significant events like our Expo, our highly prestigious Chamber Business Awards and our regular networking meetings, have helped us move forward and – post-Covid – we continue to lobby and lead the Island’s business agenda, supported by hundreds of member businesses.” Certificates were handed out in recognition of long-standing members of the chamber. 10 Years – Bronze Members: NFU Mutual Isle of Wight, Mayer Brown, Clark Associates Isle of Wight LLP, STRUCTeam, 5 Star Pest Control, Ventnor Self Catering 20 Years – Silver Member: Wightfibre 35 Years – Gold Member: Esplanade, Ceramic Substrates, Yokogawa Marex.
Header image: Jonathan Thornton and Steven Holbrook