Committee Members

Committee Members

• Richard Williams

  Chairman

  Richard is a 30 year veteran in Financial Services, working in many diverse countries. He is currently a Business Mentor & Consultant to SME Business Owners in Sussex. His interests are Sports & rugby in particular as he is a Harlequins supporter. He is also a supporting Charity leader, through Charity Mentors Sussex.

  07703 270 485 richard@sanzmansolutions.com www.sanzmansolutions.com
• John Kay

  Committee Member & Legal

  Bio to follow soon.

  01435 817 061 john@kayandpascoe.co.uk www.kayandpascoe.co.uk
• Richard Ridley

  Charities & Community Liaison

  Richard is a retired Chartered Accountant. Previously the Financial Director of Public Advertising Agencies including Saatchi and Saatchi, he also managed an IT support company specialising in VOIP (similar to Skype). He is currently Chairman of Le Marché committee since 2013, Treasurer of H&W Twinning Association, member and past President of H&W Rotary Club.

  richard@ridleyassociates.co.uk
• Julian Wates

  Business Support & Development - Charities & Community Liaison

  Julian runs his own local website design & marketing company, Sokada, based in Heathfield High Street. His primary task with the Chamber is Digital Media (website), Social Media & Membership as well as organising the breakfast meetings which are held every couple of weeks.

  01435 817 226 julian@sokada.co.uk www.sokada.co.uk
• Kirsty Powell

  Vice-Chair - Business Support & Development

  Kirsty joined the committee in 2024. A commercially savvy and dynamic Senior Executive, she brings over 20 years of multi-sector leadership. Her experience includes driving business transformation, strategic growth, launching start-ups and managing operational turnarounds. She works closely with private equity-backed ventures, corporate leaders and business owners to guide organisations through change and deliver sustainable growth. Kirsty launched Simply Wellness, her own e-commerce business offering nutritional supplements for women’s health to support women struggling with the symptoms of menopause. She also supports Richard Ridley with advertising sales and the production of the official Le Marché programme. Outside of work, Kirsty enjoys attending West End shows and live music events, swimming, and taking walks with her mischievous Beagle, Honey.

  07813 076256 kirsty@simply-wellness.co.uk www.simply-wellness.co.uk
• Mark Alger

  Admin & Coordination

  Mark is a retired Metropolitan Police Sergeant, where he served for 26yrs. Apart from his work with the Chamber, he is also a Parish Councillor for Heathfield & Waldron. In his retirement, Mark has launched The Vault Community Cinema and has plans to find a permanent premises in Heathfield. His passion is in the growth & promotion of the High Street & Town Centre. In his spare time you'll find him helping his Wife Julie organising the Monthly Heathfield Artisan Markets or in her homeware & gift shop, Jolie Maison on Station Road.

  secretary@heathfieldchamber.co.uk
• Lisa Crozier

  Charities & Community Liaison

  Lisa has been a Committee member for a few Years & is the current Charities & Community liaison for the Chamber. The majority of her working life has been in a caring capacity, from working in a children’s home to a Project Management. Lisa is Project Manager for Wealden Works on Station Road, a charity who's purpose is to bridge the gap between education and employment for 16-24 year old people. Lisa thrives on making a positive difference to people’s lives and enjoys interacting with the public. She enjoys spending time with her family & dog, loves to exercise & has a real passion for CrossFit. In addition, Lisa loves outdoor life, walking and cooking.

  07437 496651 lcrozier@wealdenworks.co.uk https://www.wealdenworks.co.uk
• Colin Gilham

  Event Planning & Marketing

  Bio coming soon

• Abi Westcott

  Event Planning & Marketing

• Melanie Essex

  Treasurer

  Melanie has over 20 years’ experience in finance and runs a bookkeeping and accountancy business supporting small businesses and individuals. Specialising in financial and management accounting, she helps clients gain clarity over their finances, improve decision-making, and build efficient, reliable systems. Alongside her professional work, she also runs a small home-based cattery, reflecting her values of responsibility, attention to detail, and high standards of care. Outside of work, Melanie enjoys crochet, gardening, and film.

• Trevor Ridler

  Event Planning & Marketing

  Bio coming soon

• Lucy Atabey

  Event Planning & Marketing

• John Savill

  Charities & Community Liaison