01278 228004

Chamber News

You are here: 

Changes at the Chamber

Monday 9th January, 2023

January 2023 brings the departure of Denys Rayner as our Chairman after 5 years of service as Chair to the Bridgwater Chamber.

Outgoing Chairman, Denys Rayner

Denys has been involved with the Chamber since 2010 when he first became a board member and took over as Chair in 2018 when Steve Leahy became CEO.

During Denys’s time as Chair we have seen changes at CEO level, with Denys always seeking to make these transitions smooth and seamless. He initially provided a base for the Chamber, has helped bring sustainable structure and has provided valuable input and guidance to the board

Steve Leahy, one of the original founding members and Chair for 6 years stated, “I wish to thank Denys for the many years of support, shown not only to myself, but to Chamber members and the board alike”.

The new Chair is Darren Horne. Darren has served on the board as Director since 2010 and brings a new set of skills to the Chamber when he takes up the post this month. Mr Leahy commented, “Darren has been instrumental to the work of the Chamber during the past ten years; he is one of the co-founders of the Sedgemoor business awards and has supported the chamber by contributing advice and volunteering his time to support our local economy”.

Darren and the board look forward to welcoming businesses to the many exciting events lined up for 2023 which can be booked by visiting sedgemoorchamber.co.uk

New Chairman, Darren Horne

Latest news

The Castle at Taunton seeks Event Coordinator to support growing calendar of functions
March 3, 2026

Sedgemoor Chamber member The Castle at Taunton is recruiting for a full-time Event Coordinator to join its team, supporting a busy and growing calendar of events at one of the UK’s most historic and prestigious 4-star hotels. With a 40-year reputation at the forefront of British cuisine, The Castle at Taunton is also home to…

Read More
Scale up 4 Growth: new round of funding opens for SMEs in the wider UWE Bristol region
March 3, 2026

Ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the region are being invited to apply for the latest round of Scale up 4 Growth (S4G) funding, launched by UWE Bristol to help businesses accelerate innovation, create jobs and grow with confidence. S4G offers £400,000 of grant funding to support projects that will strengthen operations, boost productivity…

Read More
On Your Bike Recycle seeks new Trustees to help shape stronger communities across Somerset
March 3, 2026

On Your Bike Recycle Limited a local bike recycling charity empowering people through training, support and sustainable transport is looking for new Trustees to join its forward-thinking board. Founded in 2011, On Your Bike is a registered charity operating from 2 fully equipped workshops in Taunton and Bridgwater. At both sites, trained mechanics and volunteers…

Read More
Applications open for Somerset Business Mentoring Programme
March 2, 2026

Somerset business owners looking to grow, adapt or tackle new challenges this spring are being invited to apply for a fully funded mentoring programme offering 6 hours of expert support over 6 months. The Somerset Business Mentoring Programme, delivered by Somerset Council, matches local small and medium-sized businesses with experienced mentors who can provide tailored…

Read More