THE FACES OF SHERBORNE
In our monthly series of “The Faces of Sherborne” we introduce you to the people behind the faces. This month (September 2012)
MEET SALLY-ANN KODURAND
CHAIRMAN, SHERBORNE CHAMBER OF TRADE & COMMERCE
Do you know how many businesses there are in Sherborne? Do you know what they all get up to? Are you aware of any coordinated promotions or activities which bring all these businesses together? If you know the answer to any of these questions you are doing quite well but it is the aim of Sherborne’s Chamber of Trade & Commerce (COTC) that you should become much more aware of their activities in the near future. Leading the way is the new Chairman, Sally-Ann Kodurand, who only arrived in the town less than a year ago. She intends to use her lawyer’s background of structure, focus and logic to improve the benefits for COTC members and to raise the profile of the Chamber and the town.
Read the full interview below:
Q: You seem to have become involved with the Chamber very quickly; is there any reason for that?
SAK: Yes, I only arrived last November and because of various circumstances I started as Chairman in January. It does seem quick but I came down from London to take up a position with Dyne Drewett, the solicitors, and I wanted to get involved with the local business community straight away and establish a network. I have plenty of experience chairing organisations and meetings and there happened to be an opening. I think there is an awful lot that a new person can do whilst they still see everything with fresh eyes and before they start being influenced by local politics; in other words, this is the best time for a realistic and objective assessment when new ideas can make a difference.
Q: What did your appraisal of the Chamber bring to light? Did it tie in with the Chamber’s own ideas?
SAK: Most definitely. The Chamber itself was going through changes and it was a fortuitous coming together of like-minded thinking. First of all, we hope to increase the membership of the Chamber. In the past, there has been a heavy emphasis on the retail traders and we hope to increase membership from other sectors more, such as manufacturing, technology and the professional services. Next, we hope to make it a truly representative body with improved internal and external communications, using a new website, and we aim to run more activities and events. There will be more member events to bring people together and hopefully this will lead to more member involvement.
Q: How would you describe the benefits of becoming a member of the Chamber?
SAK: First of all, it is a very affordable organisation to join at just £50 membership a year. This allows you the opportunity to network and share ideas with over 120 businesses in the town and provides opportunities to promote your services or merchandise. We carry out a lot of activity to encourage more visitors to the town and this can result in additional business for the participating companies. The membership fee really represents good value but like all associations it depends on how much you get involved.
Q: Does the Chamber provide any benefits to the town at all?
SAK: Definitely. We strongly believe in helping our young people – they are the future and so we like to get involved with the schools and sixth forms to encourage local businesses to provide work placements and apprenticeships. Not everyone wants to go to university and it’s important to show that there are local opportunities as well. There are a lot of micro-businesses starting up, maybe just one or two people, and we try to encourage such innovation by providing advice and mentoring services. We can also provide advice on career choices: for example, if anyone is interested in studying law we have plenty of solicitors or lawyers in the area who are happy to provide guidance.
Q: Does the Chamber work together with the Town Council in any way?
SAK: Yes, we have regular meetings with the Town Council which are very constructive. We share plans and ideas. For example, quite a few of our members are looking for more space or different space and so we are working with the Town Council to try and identify solutions.
Q: What do you think of Sherborne now that you have been here for a while? Have you been surprised by anything?
SAK: Having come down from London, I’m actually impressed by the friendliness of the people. You know how anonymous you can be in a big city so it is very refreshing to find that people have time to say hello and to stop and chat. I think Sherborne is a very supportive community and it feels very warm and secure here.
Q: How are you spending your time, apart from working?
SAK: Well I follow music a lot – my son is a professional violinist – and I write a lot. Believe it or not, I have an interest in medieval history, the Hanseatic League in particular, and I am gradually researching and writing a book on this.
Q: Last of all, I have to ask you about your name: where does Kodurand come from?
SAK: Well my mother is fromFinlandand my father fromEstonia. I’m quite proud of that Nordic heritage and I have always used the name professionally as it tends to stick in people’s minds and they don’t forget you!
To become a Member of the Sherborne Chamber of Trade and Commerce contact the Development Manager at [email protected]