Paul is a Brunel graduate in Business Management with over 20 years’ experience in economic development, place marketing and business representation.

Prior to joining the Chamber he spent eight years with Thames Valley Economic Partnership (TVEP) managing inward investment for the region – culminating in the development of a submission to the FT Publication fDi Magazine ‘‘European Cities & Regions of the Future’ which acclaimed the Thames Valley amongst the highest ranked small regions in Europe.

After two years in professional services he returned to inward investment and joined the Chamber of Commerce in 2009 overseeing the delivery of DiT (UKTI) inward investment related contracts. Paul led the development of the award-winning Thames Valley inward investment portal in 2012 and established the Thames Valley International Technology Conference at Microsoft EU HQ, now in its sixth year.

Paul was appointed Chief Executive of Thames Valley Chamber Group in October 2015 and spearheads an exciting period of investment and transformation at the Chamber. He continues to travel to champion new global Trade & Investment partnerships and promoting the virtues of the Thames Valley business community.

Paul is an active member of St Georges House Society of Leadership Fellows, he sits on the Thames Valley Berkshire LEP Forum and volunteers on the Thames Valley Byte Night Board in support of the charity Action For Children. Paul’s most recent project is encouraging his two sons Oliver and Ben to take some level of interest in playing rugby union. This remains work in progress.

Contact: madhuhafiz@tvchamber.co.uk or on 01753 870 582

Anne White

Head of International Trade and Compliance

Anne has over 30 years’ experience in the field of international trade in both the private and public sector including trade development, compliance and EU funded projects. Taking up her current role in 2003 Anne has responsibility for the development and delivery of Chamber’s extensive portfolio of International Trade Services, as well as developing strategic partnership with key stakeholders.

She is vice-chair of the national British Chamber Council’s International Trade Group, as well as being a Department of International Trade approved inspector, assessor and trainer relating to the field of origin and trade preference regulations.

Contact: annewhite@tvchamber.co.uk  or on 01753 870 560

Sarah Irving

Head of Marketing and Communications

With 17 years marketing experience from the Education sector, Sarah joined the Chamber in November 2017.   

Responsible for all Chamber communications and marketing, her role is to make sure the voice of the Thames Valley is heard, while providing maximum returns for members through strategic and value-adding opportunities.

Sarah also runs the Chamber social media channels, ensures that the website is kept up-to-date and oversees all aspects of communications, marketing, PR and events that the Chamber has.

Contact: sarahirving@tvchamber.co.uk or on 01753 870 552

Gareth Ralphs

Head of Policy and Inward Investment

Gareth provides direction and strategic leadership to the Chamber’s policies as well as managing and delivering a wide range of inward investment related services. He works across departments, Chamber Councils and selected members to research, develop and prepare policy position statements of strategic importance to the region and UK economy.

From an inward investment perspective, he works in partnership with key strategic partners including the Department for International Trade (DIT) and international networks in securing and capturing foreign direct investment entering the Thames Valley. A Chartered Town Planner (MRTPI) and Surveyor (MRICS) Gareth brings more than 25 years’ experience of international planning to the Chamber.

Contact: garethralphs@tvchamber.co.uk or on 01753 870 500

Karen Pharo

Head of Finance and Operations

John Higgins

Head of IT and Digital Strategy