Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the only countywide chamber accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has strengthened its Board of Directors with two new appointments.
With its head office in Ashford, the Chamber has welcomed Karen Callander, who brings senior level experience in financial services and product led marketing, and Salim Somjee, Partner at Top 50 UK law firm Birketts, who has high level corporate law experience.
Karen has lived in Kent for over 25 years, with a career that has involved providing high-level strategic planning and business development roles for major companies such as Saga and EGG. She is currently Company Secretary for Comparison Tech, is a Chartered Marketeer and qualified financial planner.
Based at Birketts’ South East office in Sevenoaks, Salim is a corporate lawyer, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, and private equity. He is highly ranked in the Legal 500 2026 directory and Chambers & Partners, and has advised many leading Kent businesses and supported their growth.
Andrew Metcalf, Chair of Kent Invicta and Managing Director of Maxim, the Tunbridge Wells-based PR and public affairs agency, said: “It’s great to be joined by Karen and Salim. Having a board with a mix of gifted people with a proven track record of working for large successful businesses, running their own, or advising others, is crucial.
“We are here to provide strategic advice and support Chief Executive Tudor Price and the team develop and deliver the services our members demand. The arrival of Karen and Salim will provide further impetus to the Chamber’s vital work to represent Kent business and help them overcome the challenging headwinds from events at home and abroad.”
Commenting on his appointment, Salim Somjee, said: “Having been born and bred in Kent, and graduated from the University of Kent, I’ve spent the last 25 years advising many fantastic businesses. It’s great to be able to give something back and help support the economic growth of Kent through the work of the Chamber. Through my international legal work I’m very keen to see how we can attract more foreign direct investment into the county.”
Karen Callandar said: “I’m looking forward to supporting the team from a marketing perspective and commercial viewpoint. Helping to focus on what the Chamber offers, and how it’s marketed and engages with the business community, will be vital when it comes to persuading businesses to join and remain as members.”
Businesses interested in finding out more about the Chamber should visit: www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk
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