SOMERSET Chamber of Commerce Marketing Executive, Scarlett Scott-Collins, was among a select group of ‘rising stars’ from across the Chamber network who were chosen to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace at the end of last month.
Each year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) puts forward a handful of Chamber representatives from across the country to attend the Garden Party – Her Majesty the Queen is a Patron of the BCC. This year the focus was on ‘rising stars’.
Scarlett, 23, who joined Somerset Chamber in 2014, was one of only seven Chamber representatives who were chosen in recognition of her hard work and dedication to the Chamber network.
She was initially employed as Somerset Chamber’s first apprentice, studying a Level 3 Diploma in Business and Administration with Richard Huish College. Once Scarlett successfully completed the course she began a three-year Business and Management Foundation Degree, part funded by the Chamber, and delivered by Richard Huish through the University of St Mark & St John.
Scarlett, who lives in Taunton and attended Queen’s College, has worked in the Chamber’s marketing team since 2015. She manages social media and co-ordinates and edits the Chamber magazine, Somerset Voice, as well as liaising with media and Chamber members.
She completed her foundation degree last year and is now waiting for the results of her final year of studies for a BA in Applied Professional Studies (Leadership and Management), from the University of St Mark & St John.
Scarlett said: “Despite the quintessentially British weather, it was a marvellous afternoon at Buckingham Palace. We roamed around the seemingly endless, perfectly tended gardens, and it was such a joy to see so many people all dressed in their finery and having a great time.
“The guards put on a tremendous spectacle; and watching Her Majesty walk down the palace steps to the sound of the bands was a true highlight. A real once-in-a lifetime experience.”
Before heading to Buckingham Palace for the Garden Party, guests gathered at the BCC offices for some refreshments where BCC Director General, Adam Marshall, thanked them for their contribution.
The Garden Party was attended by Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Harry and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Stephen Henagulph, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce said he was thrilled Scarlett had been able to represent the Chamber: “I was delighted Scarlett was chosen to meet Her Majesty the Queen and attend the Royal Garden party. Scarlett is a popular member of the Somerset Chamber team and it’s great her hard work has been recognised with the invitation.”
Dr Marshall added: “We wanted to recognise dedicated individuals from across the Chamber network who are really making a difference – younger members of Chamber staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, who deliver great results, and who bring energy and excitement to your teams and business communities; in short, to recognise ‘rising stars.’”
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