Contact us now for all your importing and exporting questions international@chamberelancs.co.uk 01254 356454.

The International Business department are delighted to welcome their latest recruit, Brooke Holden, to their growing team.

Brooke joined the Chamber in March and has been appointed in the role of Business Support Administrator, already proving a huge support to team members and valued clients.

Brooke sat down with us to share a little on her career journey so far, plus the exciting work she’s already got stuck into in her first month as part of an integral department at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

Hi Brooke, welcome to the team at East Lancashire Chamber. Let’s start with your current role – how’re you settling in?

“My current role is business support and administration. I’m settling in great – it’s a really busy office and can get quite hectic, and my workload is taking a little bit off of everybody’s plate in the room.

“It’s great to be positioned to help everybody in the team and create a better focus for everybody in their expert fields.

“It’s a fun team, everyone’s really nice to work with, and it’s a hugely interesting room to be working in – from hearing about sanctions and embargos to what’s going on in the Panama Canal, it’s full of interesting conversations!”

Can you tell us a little bit about what your role involves here?

“It’s my first month here at the Chamber, and as well as my administrative and support duties, I’m already assisting with the International Business department’s marketing. I’m enjoying getting the word out there about our expert training and communicating any crucial updates, including our new ATA carnets documentation services.

“I’ve been tasked with coming up with new ideas and keeping the contact chain going with our members and delegates, so it’s great getting to know new people and the companies we support.

“I’m also spending some time invoicing, working on technical backend tasks, and working with the British Chambers of Commerce to facilitate delegates achieving their Foundation Award in International Trade. I’m responsible for sending assessments on behalf of BCC and have the pleasure of issuing certificates on completion of the award.”

What does a typical day look like in the International Business department?

“No two days are the same, and the challenges are so varied. It can be dependent on our International Trade Club (ITC) events timetable, or if we are running a specialist training course that day. It could also be topical mailouts we’re working on, any breaking news, or industry updates – it’s a whack-a-mole of what’s cropping up in the industry!

“Organisation is key – my desk is covered in post it notes to keep on top of the ever-changing international business climate.

“I’m also great at setting up for events and making sure everyone is welcomed, fed, and watered. Our training days are so different.

“My first ever Chamber event was our International Business Manager Stef Heywood taking me to the Chamber’s Curry Club – it was brilliant for me to get into networking with local importers and exporters and see what the Lancashire business community is all about.”

Can you walk us through your previous career journey before joining ELCC?

“I’ve done a little bit of everything!

“Starting out, I tried my hand at both of my parent’s professions – my dad is a farmer, and my mum is a teaching assistant. Unfortunately, neither of those avenues were for me!

“I’ve worked in a kitchen, before going on to volunteer at Prospects, an environmental charity at Hyndburn Borough Council.

“I then spent some valuable time at a care home as a front desk receptionist throughout covid. I’ve also worked for a healthcare agency providing doctors and nurses to local GP practices, based in Blackburn. Now, I’m pleased to have joined the Chamber and hope to lay down roots and find my field.”

What are your career highlights so far?

“Working in the care industry through covid was a really difficult, yet rewarding challenge. With the use of PPE and the general sense of doom, it was scary for everyone but completely rewarding to be able to be a part of the help and support for the families.

“We did everything we could on the front desk to help facilitate safe visits and processing paperwork and multiple boxes of covid tests. A lot of late nights, but an interesting experience.”

Finally – what area of International Business are you most passionate about/excited to get working on?

“Coming in as somebody who has never really interacted much with International Business, but with strong admin experience, it’s all new to me – I’m soaking up everything I can at the minute.

“I really like the training and marketing side of things – my goal is to help other team mates to support businesses with growing their export sales, reducing import costs, providing customs consultancy and training and ultimately improving profits.

“I’m passionate about our training provision, and the feedback level from our courses is currently at 4.9 out of 5, something I want to continue.

“I’m really looking forward to attending the next ITC Breakfast and meeting our members in person. The ITC awards sound so fun and a great reward at the end of the working year.

“I can’t wait to get involved in any ways that I can to support my team.”

For all international business queries, please contact your trusted Chamber team on international@chamberelancs.co.uk.

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