Lisa is new chamber president

Lisa Pogson, joint managing director of Airmaster Air Conditioning, said her focus will include developing business connectivity and collaboration across the region.

Ms Pogson said: “When I left school at 16 with a handful of average GCSEs, a love of English, an interest in property and buildings with a willingness to work hard and help people, I was happy to start on a youth training scheme, as an admin dogsbody.

“I have worked at every opportunity and have made fabulous friends and had some great support and mentors.

“Still, I never thought I’d become the first woman president of the joint Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber or that along the way I would achieve a masters degree in Management and become joint managing director of a £12 million business this year – but here I am.”

Andrew Denniff, chief executive at Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted that Lisa has been appointed as our president and I look forward to working closely with her over the next two years, during what will be an exciting time for everyone here at the Chamber.”

Other new appointments to the board include Anne Wilson, of Numill Ltd and Mark Broxholme of Swallow Consultancy, who also becomes a vice president together with Matthew Stephens of Quest Property.

The appointments were made during the tenth Annual General Meeting on November 10 at Aston Hall Hotel.