UK industry association beam welcomes new chair

Julie Shorrock, managing director of Hotel and Travel Solutions (HTS) has become UK industry association beam’s latest chair. Shorrock (pictured) who was previously vice-chair and has been a board director for many years, succeeds Sian Sayward who becomes immediate past chair and continues as governance director. The new vice-chair is Ryan Doyle, beam’s supplier membership director and group sales and business development director of Switch Hospitality, and the incoming chair in 2025 will be Ian Brown. The vice-chair is a new position, introduced to ensure the representation of both venues and agents at chair level and to recognise longer-serving venue board directors for their contribution to the association. If the chair is held by an agent, the vice-chair will be a venue and visa-versa. The role follows the inclusion of venues in beam’s membership categories and board of directors. Sayward said: “Through the tireless efforts of our members to the generosity of our partners, I’m immensely proud of the milestones we have achieved together. We have advocated for our members and provided the resources and support they have needed to navigate the way ahead. We have fostered a sense of community, bringing together all corners of the business events, accommodation, and meetings sector. “It has been an honour and privilege to serve as chair and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to lead the association.” Shorrock added: “I’m taking over the reins at beam at a time when it is buoyant, thriving, and has plenty of momentum to grow further and continue to drive the industry and the association forward.”