‘Tis the season to be jolly’ as Lord Mayor and Council Leader praise ‘strong business voice’ at Chamber Patrons’ lunch

The Lord Mayor welcomes the Chamber and its Patrons to the Guildhall for lunch. Picture: Kevin Greene Photography

THE Chamber’s Patrons were welcomed to a festive lunch in Hull’s Guildhall just before Christmas as a thank you for the extra support they give to the Chamber.

Always a glittering occasion, guests were welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Hull, Cllr Christine Randall and her Consort, Cllr Chris Randall, before sitting down to a festive lunch in the elegant and historic Lord Mayor’s Parlour.

Chamber Vice President Albert Weatherill gave a witty and entertaining address, before thanking the Lord Mayor for her hospitality in hosting the Chamber and its Patrons in what is now an annual tradition.

Albert highlighted that in the wider Humber region there was a lot to be jolly about with so much remarkable development going on, which is seeing MPs beating a path to the Chamber’s door to discuss what is happening in the Humber, and what needs to happen next.

“The Chamber champions all business causes and it’s a marvellous organisation,” he said. “Most of us here at today’s lunch are employers who create jobs and put money into the economy, and we should be very proud of being part of that and should give ourselves a pat on the back!

“This region has a great ability to adapt and cope with whatever is thrown at it, and I am sure that will continue into the New Year.”

In response, the Lord Mayor thanked Albert, and said she was delighted to offer a warm welcome to the Parlour for the Patrons’ Lunch. She said the Chamber has a proud history, with many eminent Past Presidents who had played a major role in the region’s development.

“The Chamber’s business voice is so powerful and so necessary to bring funding to this region and the only way forward is to work together with both banks of the river. The Chamber provides a valuable contribution in supporting its members and building our local and regional economy.

“That co-operation will see us through this difficult time economically”.

The Mayor added: “On a personal note, I hope the Chamber goes from strength to strength, continuing to provide support for its members, helping them to create sustainable jobs which will sustain a healthy regional economy for all of our futures.” She wished everyone a happy and prosperous 2023.

Cllr Mike Ross, giving his vote of thanks, said: “It was a pleasure to be here and thanked the Chamber for all that it does to support the business community. The council recognises how important the business community is, particularly when times are as tough as they are at the moment.”

Cllr Ross wished all Chamber members well for the coming year and thanked them for making the city and the wider region the success it is.

Patronage of the Chamber of Commerce is a higher level of association with the Chamber, which is very appreciative of the support our Patrons provide. Becoming a Patron represents a valuable contribution towards enabling the Chamber to provide a wide range of services for our smaller member companies, as well as raising the profile of your own company through additional marketing benefits.

Chamber Patronage also carries a PR message, highlighting that your company is viewed as being a successful, established business which is keen to help the local economy by enabling the Chamber to provide vital support to micro-firms within our membership. It is seen, in part, as an altruistic gesture.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Chamber Patron, email David Hooper on d.hooper@hull-humber-chamber.co.uk or Janice Harrison on j.harrison@hull-humber-chamber.co.uk.