Started in December 2011, the independent review has been carried out by independent, Shropshire-based Whittingham Riddell, whose audit team looked in-depth at procedures and practices within the Chamber.

“Because of the nature of the questions being asked at the end of last year, it’s only right that we chose to enter into a formal and independent review process” explained Richard Sheehan, Managing Director of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce. “And we have very much been looking forward to the results.”

“Indeed, while the report has noted some areas where the transparency of the Chamber’s operations could have been compromised by potential conflicts of interest and a lack of formality in executing processes and controls, most importantly of all, it found absolutely no instances of any financial impropriety or any breaches made of the Chamber’s rules or constitution.”

“Not only should the report put our Members’ minds at rest, but it’s been hugely useful to us as a Chamber too because it’s highlighted a few areas where we can be more efficient in terms of processes and procedures” he added.

Core recommendations of the report included the suggestion that in future Non-Executive Directors resign their position if they can better serve the Chamber in an Executive capacity, and that the Chamber launch a more formal expenses system in terms of reporting and monitoring. “Both are certainly good practice, and are welcome pieces of advice which the Chamber Board has accepted and will implement immediately” explained John Clayton, President of the Chamber of Commerce.

“The report also covered actions taken to date with regard to The Academy, and while Whittingham Riddell did suggest a more transparent and open tendering process for future opportunities, and a need for enhancements to the Board, we can confirm that we have already implemented these as a result of our own internal review conducted at the beginning of 2012” John added.

As a Membership organisation, the Chamber is dedicated to supporting and serving the local business community and it is keen to now move forwards into its 50th year celebrations. “As the report has now been published, we are very much looking forward to putting the personnel changes well behind us and instead celebrating some of our recent successes and focusing on some of the exciting initiatives coming this year” explained Richard.

“Our Membership is currently at the highest for five years, our recent Expo saw double the peak footfall of previous events and functions, and next month we will be starting to officially work on delivery of the UK Trade and Investment contract work to support our Members and the wider community in the exploration of export opportunities. It is certainly an exciting time” he concluded.

Results of the audit can be viewed online at http://www.shropshire-chamber.co.uk.