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:
- Domanic 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.
