Our Directors
MARK DAVIES
CHAIRMAN
Retired Director of MCD Project Management, advising the commercial, public and third sector, focusing on business development, change management, funding and continuity planning. Chair, Wild Goose Rural Training, a Worcestershire based charity providing learning support to people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues. Former Governor, Newman University and Chair of the University’s Finance Committee.
HENRY CHANCE
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Henry is the grandson of the last family chairman of Chance Brothers, Sir Hugh Chance, and descended from both of the founders, Lucas and William Chance. He lives in Shropshire where he is a past Deanery Lay Chairman and parish council chairman, longstanding branch officer of the Royal British Legion and an active member of a number of trusts and other voluntary organisations. He brings experience in heritage regeneration projects and is especially keen on community engagement and education. He is proud to be Patron of the Smethwick Heritage Centre and museum and the 125 Committee of West Smethwick Park. Henry is a director of financial services company Arkney Ltd and founded a charity promoting the teaching of Essential Life Skills in schools.
MARIANNE MONRO
DIRECTOR
Has over 20 years of experience of working in Sandwell developing communities and resident groups to improve their quality of life in areas of housing and community regeneration. Previously Chair of a local Smethwick secondary school and on the board of a Womens Refuge and Citizens Advice Bureau. Working for a community-led Community organisation supporting residents and communities to harness their skills to share with communities they live within.
MADELENE SCHOFIELD-WHITTINGHAM
DIRECTOR
A Commercial Property Lawyer with Excello Law. Madelene is experienced in acting for large and small commercial firms as well as residential developers and investors. Prior to working with Excello Law, Madelene worked with Martin Kaye LLP as Head of Commercial Property, at Silks Solicitors as Head of Commercial Property, and at Harrison Clark as a Commercial Property Lawyer.
JOHN MONTAGUE
DIRECTOR
John is the Managing Director of Social Business Development. Social Business Development works across the public/private and social economy sectors to establish value-led partnerships that can deliver scale, sustainability and improved social impact in the UK. John has worked in the Social Business sector for over twenty years creating and growing social businesses and was for seven years a director at The Big Issue Group. John is a non-executive director of a number of social businesses and charities across the UK. John is passionate about providing opportunities and support to areas of society that are being under-served by current public services.
TONIA FLANNAGAN
DIRECTOR
Tonia has lived in Smethwick for most of her life. She has worked in her local community for 15 years and is CEO of a very busy medium-sized charity. Previous to that she worked at Big Lottery Funds Awards for All programme. She is well connected in the local area and is passionate about local people and places.
TOM HAYDON
DIRECTOR
Tom has been an Investment Manager at Quilter Cheviot for 14-years and is a charity specialist within the Birmingham office, managing funds on behalf of charities and not-for-profit organisations. Having studied Money, Banking and Finance at The University of Birmingham and now as a local resident, Tom is keen to help redevelop the Chance site for the benefit of both the local and wider communities.
KIERAN DYDE
DIRECTOR
Kieran has just graduated after spending the last four years studying a BSc in Politics with International Relations at Aston University. As a local resident and after spending one year on a voluntary placement with Chance Heritage Trust Kieran has become very passionate about being part of what could be the most significant regeneration project in Sandwell. As a member of the Board, he believes he will be a voice in representing the young people who eventually take up the mantle of protecting heritage such as Chance Glassworks.
JOSHUA LOWE
DIRECTOR
Joshua grew up in Smethwick and has a keen interest in social history, particularly the lives of the working people of Sandwell. He currently works for the National Trust, looking after conservation and volunteering and hopes that he can bring some of his expertise to the Chance Heritage Trust. Josh is passionate about the regeneration of Sandwell and raising awareness for the Chance Heritage Trust and wants to help bring the local communities together to understand the public benefits of the scheme and ensure the survival of the Chance site.
Suzanne Lal
DIRECTOR
Suzanne is a CIMA Associate with over 30 years commercial finance experience within several industries such as Aerospace, Automotive, Government, Global Publishing and most recently a national children’s charity. Suzanne has been involved in several complex national and international financial projects, has a BA Honours Degree in Accounting and is a Member of the Institute of Directors. Although not a native to Sandwell, Suzanne became interested in CHT whilst volunteering on the Lighthouse Project and wanted to become actively involved in helping CHT achieve their vision and goals.
Sir Sebastian Chance
BT
Sir Sebastian is the fifth Baronet. He studied Fine Art, and Education in Stourbridge and Birmingham, going on to pursue a career in Art Education. Now retired, Sebastian makes sculpture and prints in his studio in Somerset. He is a Trustee of ACE Arts (Art, Care, Education), a charity based in Somerset.