Merseyside Independent Business Women: An interview with Paula Basnett

06/03/18

Paula Basnett

CEO, Wirral Chamber of Commerce
www.wirralchamber.co.uk
@Wirral_Chamber

Where is your business and what does it do?

Wirral Chamber of Commerce is one of the leading UK’s Chambers, we work to be the voice of industry and commerce in Wirral, supporting and driving business growth and competitiveness locally, nationally and internationally.
You will find our main office at The Lauries in Birkenhead, where we provide key services for our membership and the wider Wirral business community to develop and promote the area as a vibrant and attractive environment in which businesses thrive, can invest, create employment opportunity and bring economic prosperity.
Wirral Chamber of Commerce has achieved accreditation by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), a dynamic and independent business network with Accredited Chambers in every nation and region of the UK, and in key markets around the world

Tell us about your journey to becoming a female leader…

My greatest challenge has been managing the rapid growth of the Wirral Chamber of Commerce over the past four years. We have grown from seven staff to just under 50, and increased our membership numbers from 70 to over 700 businesses. Sustaining or building on growth is very challenging both personally and on also our staff. It involves change, developing structures and delegating responsibilities – but to be a leader you must be focused, determined and lead by example to be effective in bringing successful outcomes.
I am very proud that I am leading Wirral Chamber of Commerce on its journey, but not for one moment do I underestimate the responsibility I have for my staff and the many businesses within our membership, which have placed great faith in our organisation by becoming Chamber members.
The only person I needed to convince that I would be an effective leader was myself, but I had the backing of an outstanding group of business leaders, and their support gave me the confidence to aim high to lead the organisation through the changes necessary in deliver our goals. I am passionate about my role, I am direct and decisive, and I am determined that I will work tirelessly in making Wirral a better place to live and to work.My journey is continuing, and like many Wirral businesses and business people we share a common goal – we want to build a Wirral where investment will come and create employment so our children will have the best opportunities to stay, pursue their chosen careers and realise their potential in Wirral and for the good of Wirral.
We have many fantastic companies here – Unilever, Cammell Laird, Typhoo, Progress to Excellence, Finsa and many, many others all contributing to Wirral’s economic growth – but we need to bring in more new investment, and that is my ambition and why Wirral Chamber of Commerce will work closely with its partners to make this vision a reality.

What’s your favourite thing about going to work each day?

One of the best and most exciting things about my job is that no two days are the same. As a very proactive Chamber of Commerce it is important that we continue to develop our services so that we can support growth within our business sectors.
We have over 700 chamber members each one will have their own particular needs, so I try to meet with businesses as much as possible, either at their premises or through one of the many events we organise throughout the year.
Only by meeting and talking with our members can I fully understand the support they need and how best my Chamber staff can help by working with them to achieve their full potential. I meet with my senior management most mornings to review progress, opportunities and, of course, the challenges we face, it is vitally important as leader of the Chamber I listen and encourage input from everyone.
Through this management style we have been able to introduce a number of successful initiatives, including Young Chamber, Birkenhead BID, The Enterprise Hub, together with managing three thriving business centres.
I always emphasise to everyone the words of David Hunt, a former work colleague, who said, ‘If you are doing today what you were doing yesterday, then you will not be in business tomorrow.’ I didn’t fully understand the impact of this until the last few years, and now I realise how right he was.
So I always stress that we should always strive to be creative in developing and adapting the services and initiatives we deliver which will lead to both sustainable business growth and greater business success.

Your best piece of advice for women in independent business?

I would like to see more women in leadership roles and I am pleased that this is happening.
From the Wirral Chamber of Commerce perspective I am delighted that I can see more and more women starting their own businesses, and many of the women I meet are exceptional with original, exciting and positive plans. Interestingly, I would also highlight that most of the CEO’s leading the Chamber’s in our region are women.
Taking the step into entrepreneurship can be very daunting but it is key that you build a strong, supportive and trusting team around you who will believe in what you are trying to achieve and will give you 100% each and every day.
Remember, family is also very important for anyone thinking about building a business as you will need them to back your plans and support you in the long hours ahead.
Remember although sometimes it may feel like it but you are not on your own, there is excellent support available and Wirral Chamber of Commerce is always happy to guide people to the most effective initiatives which can help you and your business to grow.