Mike Damms

Having been an International Chemical Engineer and then Operations Director for some of the UK’s largest transport and distribution companies, Mike joined the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce as its Chief Executive in 1993. The Chamber lobbies for its members and the wider business community, engages in public-private partnerships for economic regeneration and provides support services specialising in international trade, purchase and supply, internet services, training and business mentors.

Among others, Mike is chair of the Lancashire Strategic Manufacturing Group and the Pennine Lancashire Employment and Skills Board, and has been a primary negotiator of European Structural Funds with the European Commission. He is also chair of the Social, Economic, Environment and Educational Partners within the Regional Leaders’ Board, and a member of the Pennine Lancashire Chief Executives’ Group. Other board positions include Export Sales Training, Groundwork Pennine Lancashire, ENWORKS (environment) and Business Support Solutions. Mike has been awarded an MBE for services to business in the North West.