Chief Executive

Rachel Peak has commenced as the new Chief Executive of Knowsley Chamber and Head of Business Growth at Knowsley Council in Summer 2024.  Rachel’s appointment continues the successful operational model of a joint post to Knowsley Chamber and Knowsley Council to provide a successful business support offer for members and local businesses based on a strong private and public sector partnership.

Rachel has managed a number of regeneration projects across Knowsley, as well as managing budgets and quality and assurance of projects. She has recently led directly on the arrangements for the Kirkby Town Board following the £19.5m allocation from the Government’s Long-Term Plan for Towns Fund, working directly with chair Max Steinberg CBE.  Rachel’s appointment will ensure the same high level of support and service is provided to our Chamber members and wider business base.

Rachel says “I am incredibly pleased to have commenced in post and would like to thank Lesley Martin-Wright and Alan Seeley for their support in the recent transition process.  I look forward to working with the Chamber Board, Chamber members, partners, and colleagues to maintain business continuity and momentum and look forward to building on the achievements and success of the Chamber over the past few years’’.  .

Email:

rachel.peak@knowsleychamber.org.uk

Contact Number

07717 888 497

Business Relationship Officer 

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

Membership Administration Assistant

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

Working Well Co-ordinator

Cheryl joined Knowsley Chamber of Commerce as the Working Well Co-Ordinator in September 2022 and to date has built a great rapport with local businesses in Knowsley; supporting them with their health and wellbeing, completion of the working well grant applications in addition to developing monitoring and co-ordinating a volunteering register for businesses within Knowsley, who are happy to give or wish to receive support.

Cheryl actively recruits Workplace Champions from businesses within the Knowsley area in addition to organising wellbeing events and training for them to attend.

She has a post-graduate diploma in administrative studies, is a NVQ Assessor and holds a City and Guilds 7307 qualification allowing her to teach post 16 students. Cheryl has considerable customer service experience working alongside vulnerable people in a wide variety of roles and prior to joining the Chamber was the team leader of two Covid 19 testing sites in Knowsley.

Her hobbies include baking, attending 1940 events- for which she learnt to dance, volunteering in a charity shop at the weekend and looking after her two Scotties, Monty and Mac.

Email:

cheryl.smeatham@knowsleychamber.org.uk

Contact Number

07384 900 809

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 is currently on maternity leave. We look forward to Lorna returning to the Chamber team in the future!

Email:

lorna.marshall@knowsleychamber.org.uk

Contact Number

07500 765 201