As your Chamber of Commerce, our primary mission remains to connect, support, and champion the incredible businesses across the Isle of Wight. Every day, we see the resilience, innovation, and hard work that drive our local economy forward, and it is a privilege to be your voice both here on the Island and beyond.  

To ensure we can continue delivering the high-quality events, vital advocacy, and comprehensive resources you rely on, we regularly review our operations. Like many of your own businesses, the IW Chamber has recently experienced the pressure of rising operational costs. To sustain the level of support and representation our business community deserves, we will be implementing a modest adjustment to our membership fees. We are acutely aware of the pressure our members face from the wider economic landscape, and as such we are deliberately keeping this in line with the current rate of inflation. 

This 3% inflationary adjustment (on average) is a necessary step to future-proof our services, allowing us to maintain our robust support network without passing the full burden of rising costs onto you. Your membership is an investment in your business, and continues to foster a thriving business environment on the Island. It enables us to continue facilitating crucial networking opportunities, access to business support services, and advocating for Island businesses on issues that matter most. 

What this means for you: 

• Monthly Members: Login to the new IW Chamber website to manage your membership: click here to update your profile, logo, and payment details. The adjustment will be applied automatically to your regular payments. 

• Annual Members: The new rate will be clearly reflected in your upcoming renewal invoice at the end of your current term. 

We are incredibly grateful for your continued membership and trust. It is the collective strength of our network that makes the Isle of Wight such a wonderful place to live, work, and do business. 

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how to get involved with the IW Chamber this year, please reach out to our team: Chamber@iwchamber.co.uk 

Thank you for your ongoing support. 

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of new members to its Board of Directors, marking a new era for the organisation’s leadership.

Elected by members, the announcement was voted in at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting, held at The New Holmwood Hotel on Cowes seafront. Members gathered to reflect on a year of growth and collaboration within the Island’s business community, while looking ahead to new opportunities with refreshed leadership.

Members voted to elect three new directors to the Board: Domanic Wray, Managing Director of Vectis Ventures; Emma Bradley, Director at Spence Willard; and Matt Jeffery, Managing Director of the Brightbulb.

The Chamber’s leadership team now comprises a mix of long-standing and newly appointed members, bringing together a diverse range of expertise from across the Island’s business sectors.

The full list of directors is:

• Rob Johnson – CEO
• Alison Colley – President
• Jonathan Thornton – Chairman
• Mark Lee – Board Director
• Sarah Chatwin – Board Director
• Karen Lucas – Board Director
• Fran Collins – Board Director
• Matt Greg – Board Director
• Tracy Osborn – Board Director
• Katy Taylor – Board Director
• Dominic Wray – Board Director
• Darren Toogood – Board Director
• Emma Bradley – Board Director
• Matt Jeffery – Board Director

Speaking after the AGM, President Alison Colley said the new appointments reflected the Chamber’s commitment to representing the full breadth of the Island’s business community. “Our Board brings together experience, innovation and a shared passion for supporting local enterprise,” she said. “We look forward to building on recent successes and continuing to strengthen the Island’s economic future.”

Past President, John Allen, stepped down from the Board and receiving warm thanks for his many years of dedicated service and commitment to the Chamber. Sandra Knowles has also resigned.

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce gathered its members for the 2025 Annual General Meeting, held at the New Holmwood Hotel in Cowes.

Hosted by the new IW Chamber CEO, Rob Johnson, the event brought together members from across the Island to reflect on another successful year, and to shape the organisation’s future direction.

Members enjoyed a fantastic lunch overlooking historic Cowes seafront, while celebrating the achievements of Island businesses. The Chamber recognised several companies for their long-term support, presenting Bronze Awards for 10 years and Silver Awards for 20 years of continuous membership. Honourees that collected their awards on the day included:

• Bronze: BOSS IW
• Bronze: Brightbulb
• Bronze: Island Roasted / Caffe Isola
• Bronze: WRS
• Silver: Dinosaur Isle

Further awards will go to:

• Bronze: Medina Publishing ltd.
• Bronze: Stainless Games Ltd.
• Bronze: The Phoenix Project IOW.
• Bronze: Wayne Isaacson Tree Consultant.
• Bronze: Cheverton Copse Holiday Park Ltd.
• Silver: Holistic Island Breaks t/a The Grange.
• Silver: Isle of Wight Pearl.
• Silver: Scotcher & Co.
• Silver: The Montpelier.
• Silver: West Wight Cottages.

This year’s AGM also saw changes to the Chamber’s leadership; Past President, John Allen, stepped down from the board and was thanked for years of dedicated service. Sandra Knowles has also resigned from her position. Meanwhile, members then voted to elect three new board members:

• Dominic Wray (Managing Director of Vectis Ventures / Blackgang Chine)
• Emma Bradley (Director of Spence Willard Estate Agents)
• Matt Jeffery (Managing Director of Brightbulb).

In a further development, members approved a resolution to remove the requirement for the Chamber’s accounts to be audited, modernising its financial governance process in line with best practice for similar organisations.

The meeting also marked a notable moment in the Chamber’s history. Current President, Johnathan Thornton of PC Consultants, concluded his successful term and transitioned to the role of Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Stepping into the presidency is Alison Colley of Real Employment Law Advice, who becomes the Isle of Wight Chamber’s first-ever female President.

In her inaugural address, Alison expressed her gratitude to members for their continued trust and support. She shared her enthusiasm for building on the Chamber’s strong foundations and driving forward new opportunities for local businesses. Members can learn more about Allison’s vision for her term in office in her first President’s Column in the upcoming issue of Island Business magazine.

Rob will be succeeding Steven Holbrook, who has led the Chamber for the past seven years and will step down in August 2025.

Rob brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to the Isle of Wight’s business community. As the co-owner of Smiles of Wight Ltd, a leading local business, he has helped grow the company significantly, focusing on customer service excellence, innovation, and community engagement.

Rob has held various senior roles within several well-established UK companies. His career spans both large corporate environments and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), where he developed expertise in strategic planning, business development, marketing, and community relations. His diverse experience has equipped him with the skills necessary to help guide the Chamber in its next phase of growth and support of Island businesses.

“I am truly honoured to be entrusted with the role of CEO at the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce,” said Rob Johnson. “I recognise and respect the communities, businesses, and the incredible people that all add to the potential of the Island. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of today’s rapidly evolving world, I look forward to working closely with our members, patrons, and stakeholders to drive innovation, support collaboration, and strengthen the business network both on and off the Isle of Wight.”

Steven Holbrook, current CEO, expressed his confidence in Rob’s leadership and reflected on his seven years at the helm: “I am delighted to welcome Rob to the Chamber. His extensive local knowledge and passion for the Island’s businesses make him the ideal person to lead the Chamber forward. Over the past seven years, we have achieved significant milestones, including transforming the Chamber’s financial position and expanding our services to better support our members. I am excited to see Rob build on this foundation and continue to encourage a thriving business community on the Isle of Wight.”

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce, represents hundreds of Island businesses and thousands of employees. As a not-for-profit, independent organisation, the Chamber remains committed to supporting local businesses through networking opportunities, advocacy, and a range of services designed to promote growth and sustainability.

The Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2025 with WRS have been presented in a glittering ceremony hosted by TV and radio star Jamie Laing, at Cowes Yacht Haven on Friday 9th May.

Jamie Laing said “I’ve had an amazing time. The Isle of Wight is an incredible place and we smashed it tonight. Congratulations to all our winners!” Jamie entertained the capacity crowd throughout the ceremony, celebrating the winners, engaging with the audience, even giving away some of his own Candy Kittens sweets as prizes to nominees.

West End singing star Kerry Ellis thrilled the nominees with an outstanding performance of hits from the musicals, including a spine-tingling Defying Gravity from Wicked, the show in which Kerry was the first British Elphaba in London, and a role she later reprised on the Broadway stage.

The President’s Cup for Outstanding Contribution was presented to Nigel Hartley MBE, the outgoing CEO of Mountbatten, who received his award to a standing ovation. The Business of The Year was presented to WightFibre, who won two other awards on the night. IOW Group and Brightbulb also took home a pair of trophies.

“We’ve had an amazing night, our biggest and best yet,” says the Chamber’s CEO Steven Holbrook. “With the support of our main sponsor WRS we’ve been able to pull out all the stops and share in a brilliant evening of celebration, with some incredible talent on show, both on-stage and in our shortlist. My thanks to WRS and all of our sponsors, and my congratulations to all of our winners and nominees.”

David Jackson, CEO of WRS added “WRS was founded right here on the Isle of Wight back in 2003, and we have always been proud of our local roots. Tonight as main sponsor we’ve unveiled our new brand image, to show how far we’ve come. The Isle of Wight is home to an inspiring network of businesses, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators who make the Island a special place to live and work. WRS is incredibly proud to support this celebration of talent, innovation and excellence.”

The winners in full:

Start Up Business of the Year – sponsored by PC Consultants

WINNER: Wight Vets

NOMINATED:
Diamond Adventures
Pinnacle Suites Hotel
Simplex Accounting Limited

Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year – sponsored by Visit Isle of Wight

WINNER: Isle of Wight Studio Glass Ltd

NOMINATED:
Blackgang Chine
Isle of Wight Studio Glass Ltd

Growth Business of the Year – sponsored by WRS

WINNER: Wight Coaches Ltd

NOMINATED:
Island Echo
Strings Bar & Venue
Superior Bespoke Furniture & Kitchens 

Creative Impact Award – sponsored by Medina Publishing

WINNER: WightFibre

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Spence Willard

NOMINATED:
Isle of Wight Studio Glass
Quay Arts 

Entrepreneurship Award – sponsored by Red Funnel

WINNER: Pinnacle Suites Hotel

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Island Echo

NOMINATED:
Charlie Panayi

Employer of the Year – sponsored by Glanvilles Damant Legal Services

WINNER: Brightbulb

NOMINATED:
WightFibre
Yokogawa Marex

Community Award – sponsored by Moore (South) LLP

WINNER: Sight for Wight

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Isle of Wight Youth Trust

NOMINATED:
Mountbatten Isle of Wight
Natural Enterprise Ltd

Environment and Sustainability Award – sponsored by IFPL

WINNER: IOW Group

HIGHLY COMMENDED: WightFibre

NOMINATED:
GKN Aerospace Services

Technology and Innovation Award – sponsored by Lifeline Alarms

WINNER: Brightbulb

NOMINATED:
IFPL Group Limited
Yokogawa Marex

Customer Service Award – sponsored by RPL Construction

WINNER: WightFibre
NOMINATED:
Preziosa Dachshunds
The Royal Hotel

Manufacturing and Export Business of the Year – sponsored by GKN Aerospace

WINNER: Isle of Wight Tomatoes

NOMINATED:
Diverse Marine
IFPL Group Limited

Training and Development Award – sponsored by Top Mops

WINNER: Yokogawa Marex

NOMINATED:
WightFibre
Willetts and Doig Optometrists
Yokogawa Marex

Hospitality Business of the Year – sponsored by Cherry Godfrey

WINNER: The Chequers Inn

NOMINATED:
The Blacksmiths
The Island Holiday Company
The Seaview Hotel

Business Social Impact Award – sponsored by WightFibre

WINNER: Red Squirrel Property Shop Ltd

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Medina Publishing Limited & Medina Bookshop

NOMINATED:
RenoDrain
Right at Home, Isle of Wight

Micro Business of the Year – sponsored by Gurit

WINNER: JR Zone

NOMINATED:
Silver Arch Property Solutions Limited
Superior Bespoke Furniture and Kitchens
Wight Coaches Ltd

Small Business of the Year – sponsored by Wightlink

WINNER: IOW Group

HIGHLY COMMENDED: The Seaview Hotel

NOMINATED:
Diverse Marine
Eldridges Solicitors
NFU Mutual Isle of Wight

IW Chamber Membership Special Award
Andy Squibb

IW Chamber President’s Award For Outstanding Contribution 2025
Nigel Hartley MBE

Business Of The Year Award 2025
WightFibre