The Skegness Chamber Team
Paul McCooey
Chair
Paul came to Skegness in 2013 when he was asked to take over the local Duncan & Toplis office. Since coming to the area he has thrown himself into a number of groups and charities operating in the area.
He has been attending the business chamber since then and was also involved with both the DMO and the Skegness Partnership.
Paul is passionate about caring for the elderly and supporting those less well off in society, as well as creating opportunities for people seeking training or better job prospects. These passions have led him to become a trustee of two local charities: Skegness Day Centre and East Lindsey Information Technology Centre (trading as First College).
He was asked to chair the Skegness Neighbourhood Board, which oversees the Pride in Place programme in Skegness. Through this initiative, £20m will be invested over the next 10 years to help revitalise the community.
Through the various groups he is involved with, and with years of experience advising and listening to business people, Paul has developed a strong belief that a thriving local economy is the cornerstone of any community. By working collaboratively and cooperatively, we can create opportunities for local businesses to grow and succeed, while delivering for employees, customers, and the wider community.
As a father of three, Paul claims not to have time for hobbies, and says his golf clubs are gathering dust in the shed.
Chris Baron
Vice Chair
I am very proud to be the Vice Chair of the Skegness and Area Business Chamber, having been a member for over 25 years.
I was born in Skegness and attended Skegness Grammar School, before studying at Sheffield Polytechnic. I then qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant, working for Fogarty’s, Lin Pac, and British Fuels, before moving to Butlins and settling back in Skegness for the last 35 years.
As Resort Director at Butlins for the final 20 years of my career, I recognised the importance of being involved in initiatives that improve our area. Over the years, I have been:
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A board member of the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Board for seven years
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Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire Visitor Economy Board
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Chair of the Advisory Council for Skegness Academy
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Vice Chair of the DBID
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A member of the Coastal Developers Forum
Most recently, I have been Chair of the Connected Coast Board, which secured nearly £50 million of Town Funds for Skegness and Mablethorpe in 2020. With matched funding and additional investment, this has helped deliver over £100 million into our area.
We have also secured a further £40 million in Pride in Place funding over the next 10 years, highlighting what can be achieved when we all work together towards a common goal.
Judy Chapman
Secretary
My name is Judy Chapman, and I am the Secretary. It is a position I have been proud to fulfil for around 12 years, since retiring back home to Skegness.
I was born in Skegness and attended the Grammar School, but I was ambitious for a city lifestyle and moved to London as a student. I went on to live and work across London boroughs for my entire career. As an Economic Development professional, I worked in areas including London Docklands, Stratford, the Royal Docks, Barking Riverside, and the Thames Gateway.
Alongside my professional work, I served as a Magistrate at Stratford Court for 17 years, and for three years I was Chair of the Family Court.
Since returning to Skegness, I have come to appreciate the area’s qualities even more and value my family connections. I support my sons in their vehicle accident repair business, Fix Auto on Grantham Drive, and I also support my local community through my Village Hall.
I have volunteered with Citizens Advice, and in 2015 I initiated the first Skegness Business Awards. I believe our coast has a great deal to offer, and I volunteer my time to help ensure the area achieves its potential.