Merton Chamber of Commerce Announces New Chair
Sarah Austin to take over from John Merriman
Sarah Austin
Merton Chamber of Commerce has announced that Sarah Austin is to take over as Chair Elect of its board this month.
Sarah Austin is the CEO and Founder of the Really Helpful Club, a community that aims to help its members in their business and personal lives. Sarah created the platform in 2014, which now boasts over 15,000 members, with access to a directory of experts and events in areas from health and wellbeing to career building. Before starting her own business, Sarah spent over a decade working in the City, as a Senior Director and Investment Manager. She holds an MA in Classics and Modern Languages from Oxford and is married with two children.
Sarah said, "I am honoured to be taking on the role from John Merriman, who has done an outstanding job. I am looking forward to supporting our dynamic and successful business community, particularly as we recover from these challenging times, and to making Merton an increasingly attractive place to live and do business.”
The current Chair of Merton Chamber of Commerce, John Merriman, will be stepping down after being a director for 5 years.
John Merriman
John, who owns 2 Morden based businesses, Crown Lane Studios and Metronome, a cafe which opened its door for the first time during the pandemic, has represented the voice of small businesses and, most recently, hosted the Merton Best Business awards.
He said, “It's been a real honour to chair this fantastic board. I am going to miss the creative energy and knowledge in the room at each meeting, and seeing the results outworked across the whole borough. I know that it's in safe hands with Sarah Austin as chair-elect and look forward to seeing what the future holds with this dynamic chamber. I have learnt a lot in the role, particularly from Diana Sterck, our CEO, and her exceptional leadership.
“Merton Chamber of Commerce is the largest local Chamber of Commerce in London with 700 members. Diana Sterck, CEO, who has worked tirelessly to support businesses and fight for government support for them during the pandemic said “John has been an amazing Chair and has led us through a number of challenging periods to achieve success. I am very much looking forward to working with Sarah and the other Directors to continue our mission in making Merton a great place to set up and run a business”.
Merton Chamber of Commerce is a limited company and non-profit making organisation which was set up in 1992 and now claimes to be the largest area based Chamber of Commerce in London.
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January 11, 2022