THE chief executive of Halton Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise is departing after seven years in the post.

Paula Cain joined the Chamber in June 2010 from Knowsley Chamber of Commerce where she held a similar position.

Since her arrival, she has worked to increase membership, develop new services and make it 'more financially secure'.

She led successful bids to European Union funding programmes, bringing new investment in business growth and support to Halton, and worked in partnership with Halton Borough Council to manage the borough's two business improvement districts, as well as other development projects.

At the recent Halton Business Awards dinner, she said she was 'surprised and delighted' to be the recipient of an award herself.

Halton Council chief executive David Parr paid a glowing tribute to her, praising her 'outstanding work' on behalf of the borough's business community.

Paula said she had been proud and privileged to act as the 'voice' of Halton's business community, as well as expanding the work of the Chamber for the 'benefit of all its members'.

She added: "I like to think I’ve always worked hard to make sure Halton’s best business interests were represented in a range of key forums from Westminster to the Local Enterprise Partnership, regional community and business committees.

"I’ve been part of a tremendous team, chairman and board, who have supported me during the past seven years, and have been proud to work on a range of initiatives with Halton Council – from the leader and chief executive to elected members and other senior officers, who have shown support for the Chamber’s objectives at a strategic level.

"I will miss so many things about Halton – the people, the 'can do' attitude and its strong partnership working.

"I will especially miss our businesses and the men and women who drive them.

"The business community in Halton is remarkably innovative, passionate and resilient – and they don't shout nearly loud enough about their achievements.

"Hopefully our Business Awards will continue to provide them with a platform to do this."

Paula’s successor Rachael Owen takes over in August.

She is a marketing and business specialist, whose last role was working as a business growth hub broker on behalf of Halton Borough Council and Halton Chamber of Commerce.