Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce’s choice of new board president may come as a surprise to some people. At 33, award-winning personal insurance expert Robyn Allen, of Robyn Allen Solutions Ltd, is not only the Chamber’s youngest ever president she is also the first female president in the organisation’s 105-year history.
Sporting an often-colourful mohawk, Robyn is aware she doesn’t look like a typical personal insurance specialist, but she’s never been afraid to be herself.
She already has a high profile thanks to her regular presence at Chamber networking events and her weekly ‘shout out’ videos on LinkedIn, which she launched in March 2020 to give people something to smile about during the pandemic. More recently, she’s also begun entertaining her thousands of social media followers with short fun-filled TikToks.
And stepping into the Chamber’s presidency role in December after two years on its board is guaranteed to propel her even further into
the spotlight.
“I’m a very different type of president,” Robyn said. “There’s a bit of a weight on my shoulders because I’m the first female president but I’m very excited about my new role. I love the Chamber and what it stands for. It gives organisations so many opportunities to raise their profile as well as access to a wide range of fantastic support services.
“In all honesty, before I joined, I’d wrongly assumed the Chamber would be an old boys’ club but it’s not like that at all – it supports everyone. My advice to anyone with preconceived notions about the Chamber is to throw them out the window. Come along to its free exhibitions or to any of its events which are open to non-members so you can see what it’s like for yourself.”
Robyn’s career began when she followed in her father’s footsteps and started working at the Halifax aged 17. She built up a good career there but after being made redundant she took the brave decision to launch her own business in Rothwell.
As well as building up a multi-award-winning company she also devotes much of her spare time to supporting the community. She is a trustee at HomeStart Kettering, a Montsaye Academy governor, mentors new start-up businesses and is a trained mentor to teenagers.
She is now approaching her presidency with the same passion she brings to her business and other voluntary roles.
Robyn said: “My focus will be firmly on the needs of the Chamber membership so that together we can ensure the Chamber continues to grow and move forward. I’m looking forward to this year’s Northamptonshire Business Awards and to seeing how we can help Northamptonshire Chamber’s Women With Vision network and Next Generation Chamber to further develop and grow.
“I’m also excited about the Chamber’s first exhibition in March. The Chamber team has been hard at work on great plans for it involving the Women With Vision network and it promises to be a fantastic event.”
Northamptonshire Chamber deputy chief executive Julie Maclennan added: “Robyn is a fantastic ambassador for the Chamber. We’re looking forward to working closely with her on lots of exciting projects that will benefit our members.”
For further information about Northamptonshire Chamber visit www.northants-chamber.co.uk or call 01604 490490
