New Chamber Directors Announced

Three new directors of the chamber have been co-opted to join the current board.

Natalie O’Hare Beyond HR

With 15 years of HR experience (10 of which in HR consultancy) Natalie started her career off in the retail sector after graduating with an honours degree in Business Information Management and Human Resource Management. She then worked her way up from HR advisor to Head of HR for a well known Motor Retail Company in Scotland supporting the CEO and Senior Leadership team in their people making decisions. Now supporting clients and leading the team in Scotland to support startups, SME’s and larger organisations Natalie enjoys giving commercial HR advice and helping business owners make good people management decisions. Natalie is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD), a qualified Workplace Mediator registered with the Scotland Mediation Network, and a committee member of Scottish Women in Business and enjoys the Partnerships she has with other external bodies across Scotland.

Natalie has joined the board in order to help the Chamber support employers and business owners throughout Renfrewshire, make good connections and provide a good channel of communication between the Chamber and SME’s (and beyond). Natalie is keen to hear challenges facing businesses in the area, share best practise and help the chamber meet their member needs.

In her spare time Natalie likes to eat rather than do the cooking and jump on her bike for a spin class.

Alan Calderwood Morrison Construction

Alan is the Strategic Development Director for Morrison Construction, responsible for future business opportunities.  As a respected professional, with over 30 years experience in both public and private sectors, he continues to work extensively procuring and delivering a myriad of development projects across Scotland.

Passionate about building construction, he contributes and leads industry forums / working groups promoting contemporary initiatives such as Passivhaus and Zero carbon. In his role as a Construction / STEM ambassador he continues to work with clients and education bodies to maximise the potential of people wishing to enter the industry.

He began his career as a trainee civil engineer and believes his journey so far in the construction industry has been truly remarkable and rewarding, proudly playing a part in shaping the careers of future generations of young people by transforming Scotland’s estate providing innovative and inspiring facilities.

Donald Boyd Azets

Donald, a Partner and Head of Growth at Azets, the largest regional accountancy and business advisor to SMEs across the UK, has over 30 years’ experience advising SMEs as a Chartered Accountant.  He is based in the Renfrew office of Azets which is the largest office in the UK, employing over 250 people in Renfrewshire.  He is also a director and investor in a local craft spirits business.

Donald is an expert advisor to SMEs and supports business owners in achieving their growth ambitions. He is a regular commentator on the issues currently facing businesses and he has experience looking after a wide portfolio of clients, providing not just accounting and tax advisory services but also commercial advice to help their businesses grow.  He has considerable experience of corporate governance as a non-executive director and chair of audit in both public and not for profit Sectors.

Donald is a native of Renfrewshire and has lived in the town of Paisley all his life.  He is passionate about the local area and the potential that Renfrewshire to develop local businesses that benefit the local economy, jobs and wider community.

Apart from spending his leisure time with his family Donald is self confessed golf nut and is a regular attendee at both St Mirren football club and the local Glasgow Clan ice hockey team.

Liz Connolly, Chamber President said.  “On behalf of the board I welcome Natalie, Alan and Donald. The skills and expertise of our new directors compliments the strong board and demonstrates the strength and depth of business talent we have within our membership. I look forward to working with them as we help our members connect and grow. “