Meet employer Alison Henderson

We caught up with Alison Henderson, the Chief Executive Officer of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce.

Alison is an Employer Representative Member of Highland RFCA’s Southern Area Committee. Dundee & Angus Chamber is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award holder in the HRFCA-area. The Chamber first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2018 and achieved the ERS Gold Award in 2022. The Chamber is a member of HRFCA’s Highland Gold Network, which consists of the current 47 ERS Gold Award holders.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

“I’m a mum, married for 27 years, and proud to live and work in Dundee. I love reading, living by the coast, and volunteering for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, which sees me working at the Charity Bookstore ‘n’ More at Errol Market once a month. I like to travel, and maybe in a few years, I’ll have a bit more time to do more of that!”

What was your dream job growing up?

“I honestly don’t remember having one… I didn’t want to do the kind of things that school thought was for girls: teacher, nurse, etc. I really liked maths at school, but it wasn’t really obvious how to turn that into a job!”

What did it then evolve into, and why?

“I left school at 17 after being bored by Sixth Year English studies… Me and Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales didn’t get along! I joined a bank and worked my way up, doing bank exams along the way. After a few different jobs in payroll and financial investments, I found myself redundant at 40 and wondering what to do next. That turned into starting a business, which led me directly to my current role.”

Tell us about your current job and employer.

“I have been the Chief Executive Officer at Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce for 10 years and absolutely love it here. We support hundreds of local businesses who are ambitious, keen to grow, and get involved in our community. We deliver events and experiences that inspire people, develop their people and businesses, and help them trade internationally, but above all, we help people build connections and relationships. I really enjoy learning about people and their businesses, and we connect people together who then work together and do business – it’s brilliant! We have a small team who punch well above their weight and deliver so many amazing services.”

What are some of your proudest achievements?

“Employing apprentices and developing young people who go on to flourish in their careers. Winning awards for the business, such as the British Chambers of Commerce Excellence in Membership Services Award and the Scottish Living Wage Local Champion Award. Being the fastest growing Chamber of Commerce in the UK for two years in a row and helping nearly 200 young people who had lost their jobs during COVID-19 into employment with our members.”

What advice would you give to young people starting out in the world of work?

“Know what you are good at and develop your strengths. Be keen to learn and develop a really good attitude to doing a good job. Project confidence in yourself and your skills, but don’t take shortcuts. Find someone who you admire and ask them to help you achieve your goals.”

Are there any past or future events within your employer organisation that you would like to highlight?

“We run so many amazing events, but our Leading Ladies programme is one of the most appropriate for International Women’s Day – come to these events and be inspired by women sharing their journey. The Dundee Economic Summit is a chance for businesses to come and hear how the city is driving its economy. With lots of brilliant speakers and a session where we all get the chance to shape key drivers and actions for the future, it’s one not to be missed.”