On Tuesday 11 May the Essex Institute of Directors welcomed its new Chairman, Treasurer and Committee members at its Annual Members’ Meeting at the Lancaster Colchester Showroom.

During the event, Paul Finch of Spares4Applicances was named the new Chairman Elect and Peter Gardiner of Chantrey Vellacott DFK was named the new Treasurer. In addition, new committee members Kath Wright of Essex County Council, Nichola Cain of Voice Communications, Damon Langlois of Green Light Print Solutions, Tim Rose of Growbridge Advisors, Tim Price of Park City Consulting and Ian West of One Marketing were also welcomed to the Essex Institute of Directors.

Afterwards, an auction took place to test drive a Ferrari California and a Maserati kindly donated by Lancaster Colchester. Competition was fierce, and the winning bidders raised £350 for the charity Help for Heroes.

Paul Finch, Chairman of the Essex Institute of Directors, said: “I am honoured to be following in the footsteps of many successful directors who have made IoD Essex the success it is today. With the economy in the state it is, there is much to be done to help local businesses get the best advice, lobbying and support they require. One of our key areas of focus is the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where we are very keen to ensure that all SMEs in Essex get the chance to be involved.

“The previous chair, Juliet Price, has set a challenging act to follow with her energetic enthusiasm and passion. On behalf of the Essex Institute of Directors I thank Juliet for her time, commitment and all that she has achieved.

“I would also like to thank everybody for their generosity in helping us to raise £350 for the charity Help for Heroes.”

The Essex branch of the Institute of Directors is one of the largest in the UK. Over 40% are chairmen, CEOs or MDs and a further 45% are directors or partners. Three quarters of its members work in companies employing less than 500 staff. It is run by a group of members from diverse business backgrounds who give their time voluntarily for a period of up to three years.

Launched in October 2007, Help for Heroes aims to help people who are currently serving or have served in the Armed Forces, and their dependents, by making grants available to purchase equipment for their rehabilitation or grants to other charities that can assist them.