In the latest episode of our Suffolk Sound series, part of the C140 project, Suffolk Sound’s Rob Dunger interviews Lina Hogg, the Suffolk Chamber’s first president of colour.
In this special episode, Lina reflected on her trailblazing journey, including her crucial role in bringing Suffolk Business Women under the Chamber’s umbrella and championing diversity and inclusivity across the business landscape.
Lina also shared the following reflection on her time at the Suffolk Chamber:
“When I started my HR outsourcing business, Picasso HR in 2000, I never envisaged how important Suffolk Chamber of Commerce would be in its success. Nor did I for a moment think that six years later I would become only the third woman and the first woman of colour to become President of the Chamber.
The networking events were just what I needed to engage with diverse businesses large and small. It was also an opportunity to talk to potential clients about how we could help them with ever changing employment law and managing staff issues. Essentially, we became the HR company to go to for small and medium sized companies who would not normally have an HR department.
Through networking events I met interesting and wonderful people who influenced some of my business decisions in a positive way and remain friends to this day.
By 2003, I was on the board of directors, allowing me to see how the Chamber operated from the inside. The Chamber was small compared to where it is today but still highly effective in engaging with the diverse business community.
It was a friendly and a cheerful place with staff who were committed to serving the business community.
The board typically comprises several directors, each bringing expertise from different sectors such as manufacturing, retail, services, technology, and more. Our role was to provide input and guidance on various issues affecting the business community. I supported and advocated for the initiatives that promoted corporate social responsibility and encouraged businesses to engage in community development. One of the areas that I was and still am passionate about is supporting the interests of women in business and their contribution to the Suffolk economy.
During my early years of involvement with the Chamber, the board as well as the networking events were largely male dominated. I strongly believed that this needed to change. At the same time, I was also a member of Suffolk Business Women (SBW), a small networking organisation for women led by volunteers who were all working.
By the time I became President in 2006, SBW’s membership had dwindled considerably to just 20 and was in danger of disappearing. I saw this as an opportunity to bring SBW into the Chamber fold and have its events organised by paid, experienced staff. Eventually, by 2008, SBW was brought under the Chamber umbrella. I became chairwoman of SBW and ran it together with Amanda Ankin (the current director of operations at the Chamber) for five years increasing membership to 1000.
I strongly believe SBW networking events gave women the confidence to also attend the main Chamber events which for some women previously had been a daunting task. We now have vibrant and diverse Chamber networking events.
Just as I had become President, the CEO retired and I was involved in recruiting the current CEO John Dugmore and later Amanda Ankin who is now operations director. I would like to think that I have in some way helped to promote the importance of diversity and inclusion within the business community. I have been vocal about the need for businesses to embrace diversity, not only as a moral imperative, but also as a driver of innovation and success.
Through my involvement with the Chamber, I met Gordon Brown, David Camron and Boris Johnson. Reflecting on my time with the Chamber, I can truly say it has been an honour.“
Lina’s insights offer a compelling perspective on how the Chamber has evolved, particularly in its efforts to foster diversity and inclusivity, and her story is a testament to the impact one leader can have on shaping a business community for the better. Be sure to tune in below to hear more from this inspiring figure in Suffolk’s business history.
Tune into Suffolk Sound at 8.40am from Monday 9th to Friday 20th September to listen live to our historic C140 series.
Join presenter Rob Dunger as he chats with a series of inspiring guests from across Suffolk, shining a spotlight on Suffolk business, innovation and diversity over the last 140 years.
With thanks to Suffolk Sound for their partnership on the latest instalment of our C140 project, and to Lina Hogg for her invaluable contributions to the Chamber and our milestone project.
