Ana Christie

CEO, Sussex Chamber of Commerce

Ana Christie is the Chief Executive Officer of the Sussex Chamber of Commerce, leading the organisation’s mission to champion, connect and support businesses across Sussex. Working closely with members, stakeholders and policymakers, Ana is a passionate advocate for the region’s business community, driving initiatives that stimulate economic growth, improve business performance and create opportunities for organisations of all sizes.

With a diverse international business background spanning aviation, hospitality, hotel development, recruitment and pharmaceuticals, Ana brings a wealth of commercial experience to her role. Her career has seen her manage the London Aquarium, serve as Executive Vice President of an HR recruitment consultancy in the Philippines, work with the British Deputy High Commission in India, and oversee the project management of global clinical trials for a pharmaceutical company.

Since joining Sussex Chamber of Commerce in 2014, Ana has played a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the organisation, ensuring members have access to the knowledge, connections and support they need to grow and succeed. Under her leadership, the Chamber has continued to develop innovative services, strategic partnerships and influential programmes that help businesses navigate challenges, seize opportunities and thrive in an evolving economy.

As a strong voice for Sussex businesses, Ana works closely with the British Chambers of Commerce network to influence national policy and ensure the needs of local businesses are represented at the highest levels of government.

Outside of her professional commitments, Ana is an accomplished martial artist and qualified Karate instructor, bringing the same discipline, determination and leadership to her personal pursuits as she does to supporting business growth across Sussex.

Estelle Dingley

Department of Business and Trade

Experienced in setting up and growing various export sales departments across sectors, I focus on export strategy and bring the tools to implement.

Many factors can hold businesses of all sizes back from exporting or growing their export trade. But I believe that every business, with the right advice and strategy, can trade successfully across borders. Working with SMEs, from start-up to more experienced, I will help define, implement and monitor your export strategy, including your digital presence.

: https://www.great.gov.uk/
: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estelledingley/

Lisa Maddison-Brown

UK Export Finance Manager for Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex, UK Export Finance

Lisa joined UK Export Finance over 5 years ago following a 30-year career in the Banking sector. During this time, she spent 10 years as an International Trade Manager supporting SME sized businesses. She specialises in helping companies realise their export opportunities and having worked and lived in the area for over 35 years has a strong understanding of the region’s businesses and their needs.

Bridie Norman

Chief Operating Officer , Elekta

Name: Bridie Norman

Role: 

• Chief Operating Officer – Nov 23 -
• EVP Global Service – Feb 2023 – Nov 23 
• VP Elekta Logistics Platform – Jan 2016 – Feb 2023  

Experience before Elekta:

• Oracle – 2009 – 2016 Senior Director of Logistics   
• SUN Microsystems 2003 – 2009 – Director of Logistics
• EMC 1989 – 2002 – Supply Chain Manager 
• IBM 1984 – 1989 – Import Shipping co-Ordinator   

Areas of interest: Supply Chain / Customer Services / Field Support Services / Sustainability/ Digitalization.

Education: Masters Degree in Supply Chain 

Personal: 

Irish by birth , main home still in Ireland but live in UK during week . I have 2 grown up Children and 2 granddaughters . Have lived several countries over the years including Iran and USA . I love cooking , I play violin and I am a logistics volunteer for Oxfam helping organize international help in times of crisis whether natural disaster or geo- politics  . 

Mr Richard Oppenheim

Director , Diplomatic Advisory Hub

Richard Oppenheim is Director of the Diplomatic Advisory Hub, a joint initiative between the FCDO and the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC). Housed at the BCC Headquarters in London, the Hub provides trusted, actionable FCDO geopolitical insight to businesses across the UK in support of the UK government’s growth mission. The Hub works closely with FCDO, DBT, wider government partners and the BCC network to deliver enhanced support to all UK businesses who are looking to engage internationally.  

Richard brings with him a wealth of diplomatic experience across some of the world’s most complex and strategically important markets in the Middle East, and Japan. He also brings multilateral experience at the UN, on EU issues and as Commonwealth Envoy. Richard has served as the UK’s Ambassador to Yemen, as Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and held diplomatic appointments in Iraq, Oman, New York and Japan. This broad experience– from high-risk markets to energy markets and advanced industrial economies – means Richard brings the insight, networks, and resilience to support UK businesses in accessing the FCDO’s geopolitical advice and expertise and in navigating complex environments.