Meet the Team
Rachel Peak
Chief Executive
Rachel Peak commenced her role as Chief Executive of Knowsley Chamber and Head of Business Growth at Knowsley Council in July 2024. Her appointment continues the well‑established joint‑post model that has been in place for more than 11 years and forms a core element of the Invest Knowsley ‘One Front Door’ approach. This integrated model brings together the Chamber and the Council’s Business Growth team in a co‑located environment, ensuring a unified and efficient service for businesses across the borough.
Through this collaborative structure, the Chamber is able to deliver a consistent, high‑quality offer to its members and the wider business community. This approach directly aligns with the Chamber’s mission to be in the best possible position to support and champion our businesses through connectivity, knowledge, and strong relationships with key stakeholders. The joint‑post arrangement strengthens this mission by ensuring seamless communication, shared expertise, and coordinated delivery of business support.
Rachel brings significant experience in managing major regeneration programmes, overseeing budgets, and ensuring robust quality and assurance processes. Her leadership will continue to enhance the effectiveness of the Chamber’s work and ensure that businesses receive comprehensive, reliable, and forward‑looking support.
Email:
rachel.peak@knowsleychamber.org.uk
Contact Number
07717 888 497
Anita Owen
Business Engagement Manager
Anita recently joined the Knowsley Chamber Team in June 2024. Prior to this, Anita worked as a Business Administration Team Leader at St Helens Chamber, where she managed membership and start-up business projects.
Anita is passionate about customer service and loves working with businesses to ensure they receive the best possible support.
Since joining the Chamber Team, Anita has said that she is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with members again and immerse herself in the culture of Knowsley Chamber.
On a personal note, Anita has two Old English Sheepdogs who keep her busy and often make appearances during Teams meetings! Anita is also involved in an Old English Sheepdog rehoming group, which has occasionally led to fostering 3-4 dogs at once—a chaotic but always fun experience!
Email:
anita.owen@knowsleychamber.org.uk
Contact Number
07385 945021
Lorna Marshall
Business Development Manager
Lorna has been working with Knowsley Chamber of Commerce for the past 5 years. She promotes health and wellbeing to Knowsley businesses under the Working Well programme working closely with Knowsley Public Health.
She has had experience in a range of wellbeing voluntary roles since finishing University in 2014, including supporting Creative Alternatives with art classes for people with anxiety and depression. She became a Business Relationship Manager in 2018 and has found the networking, building rapport with local workplaces and being able to support businesses with their wellbeing strategies as the highlights of her role.
Lorna has a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology from the University of Reading and still enjoys visiting heritage sites. She enjoys walking, the theatre, yoga and spending time with her kitten, Juno.
In February 2024, Lorna welcomed her son Frederic and has recently returned from maternity leave. Lorna is looking forward to catching up with members throughout 2025!
Email:
lorna.marshall@knowsleychamber.org.uk
Contact Number
07500 765 201
Michelle Easton
Business Engagement Manager
In November 2024, Michelle Easton joined the Knowsley Chamber as the new Working Well Coordinator, bringing a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role. Since taking on the position, Michelle has been dedicated to meeting with businesses across Knowsley, spreading the word about the Working Well Programme and its importance in promoting the health and wellbeing of employees.
With a strong managerial background and experience working face to face with the public, Michelle is well-suited for her role at Knowsley Chamber. She thrives on building connections, hearing the stories behind the borough’s amazing businesses, and offering tailored advice to help them improve workplace wellness. Her genuine passion for the people of Knowsley is evident in her interactions, as she works to foster healthier, more supportive work environments.
Michelle enjoys spending quality time with her family, often taking days out to explore new places and create lasting memories. This love for family time adds to her personable, down-to-earth nature
Email:
michelle.easton@knowsleychamber.org.uk
Contact Number
07350 400 565
Olivia McGuinness
Business Engagement Manager
Olivia joined the team in Summer 2023 and has a range of experience working in Business Development, Communications and Marketing.
Focusing on building strong relationships with businesses daily, Olivia’s role also focuses supporting Chamber members, welcoming new members to the Chamber and networking with a variety of stakeholders. Olivia manages the content on the Chamber website, social media platforms and newsletter content too.
Part of Olivia’s role is the newly established Knowsley Youth Chamber. The Knowsley Youth Chamber aims develop the skills of younger people in the Knowsley area in order to make the gap from education to employment smoother.
Olivia studied Business Management at Liverpool John Moores University and during her time studying, completed paid internship year at Liverpool Football Club.
During her spare time Olivia enjoys hot gym sessions, weekly pilates sessions and walking her miniature dachshund Rex.
Email:
olivia.mcguinness@knowsleychamber.org.uk
Contact Number
07385 498 993
Jessica-Rae Murphy
Business Engagement Manager (Working Well)
Jessica-Rae has joined Knowsley Chamber of Commerce as the newest Business Engagement Manager Working Well. Jess will be build strong relationships with local businesses in Knowsley and the Liverpool City Region supporting them in improving workplace health and wellbeing, assisting with the completion of Working Well grant applications, and developing, monitoring, and coordinating a volunteering register for businesses in the borough who are either looking to give or receive support.
Jessica – Rae actively recruits Workplace Champions from businesses within the Knowsley area in addition to organising wellbeing events and training for them to attend.
Email:
jess.murphy@knowsleychamber.org.uk
Contact Number
07350 130961
Aine Hunter
Business Engagement Manager (Working Well)
In December 2025, Aine Hunter joined Knowsley Chamber as a Business Engagement Manager (Working Well), bringing experience and enthusiasm to the role. Aine is from Ireland and holds a BSc (Hons) Leisure and Events Management from Ulster University. Her career journey includes strong experience in hotel and restaurant hospitality, where she honed her skills in customer service.
Aine’s passion for business engagement grew in her previous role as an Events and Marketing Associate Director in Quincy Chamber of Commerce, during her time in Boston. This experience gave her valuable insight into what it takes to support businesses and foster community connections.
Since joining, Aine has been dedicated to meeting businesses across the borough, promoting the Working Well Programme. Aine actively recruits Workplace Champions within the Knowsley area in addition to organising health and wellbeing events and training for them to attend. She supports local businesses in improving workplace health and wellbeing, assisting with the completion of Working Well grant applications, and signposting to support businesses who are looking to give or receive to others.
Having recently moved to Liverpool, Aine enjoys exploring new parts of the city and is looking forward to catching up with members throughout 2026!