The CCA Team
The Cheshire Commonwealth Association is run by a dedicated group of Directors, all with a wealth of experience and shared passion for promoting the Commonwealth.
Through a series of events and other educational opportunities, the CCA aims to share the diverse wealth of possibilities between the Commonwealth and Cheshire to strengthen links between the county and the Commonwealth member states.
David Briggs CVO, M.B.E., KStJ.
Patron
As the Queen's representative in the County, it has been David's initiative to set up the Cheshire Commonwealth Association.
In this role he takes a keen interest in the business and industrial life of the County and he hopes that this Association will help Cheshire businesses to grow and to increase their trade with Commonwealth countries.
Since becoming Lord-Lieutenant in 2010 he has supported many Cheshire charities, and in particular has tried to act as a connector between the voluntary and the commercial worlds, and also to encourage the agencies which help those most in need to work together. He was instrumental in setting up Cheshire Community Foundation as well as Cheshire Connect – a charity which now supports more than 200 Cheshire charities each year with business advice and support.
Lady Redmond, M.B.E. - Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire
President
Lady Redmond MBE (Alexis) came into office as Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire on 25 August 2021.
She is a chartered accountant and spent several years in the accountancy profession before establishing, with her husband Phil, one of the largest independent television drama production companies in the UK.
She has held many senior non-executive, governor and trustee positions including National Museums Liverpool, Riverside Housing Association, Liverpool John Moores University and Alder Hey Hospital NHS Children’s Charitable Trust. She continues to support many charitable and not for profit organisations.
In 2003 she was made a Fellow of John Moores University, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was awarded her MBE in 2011 for services to the community. Alexis held the office of High Sheriff of Cheshire during 2018/19.
David Maisey, O.B.E., D.L.
CEO of ICC Solutions Ltd
Chair
With over 30 years’ experience in the payments industry, David has led his company to achieve four Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade and Innovation. David was a recipient of an O.B.E. (An Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s New Year Honours List 2020.
He has a strong desire to help enhance British exporting, and to inspire others to investigate the growth opportunities offered by international trade. Of particular interest is promoting the values of The Commonwealth and spearheading export education for young people working in partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Jasbir Dhesi, O.B.E.
Principal & Chief Executive of Cheshire College South & West
Director
Under his leadership, a merger of South Cheshire College and West Cheshire College created the largest FE College and apprenticeship provider in Cheshire & Warrington, with modern vibrant campuses in Chester, Crewe and Ellesmere Port.
With an annual turnover of circa £40m, employing 700 staff, the College has over 11,000 students and provides training and support to over 1,300 employers, including a number of prestigious national contracts.
Dhesi is passionate about educating students across Cheshire about the Commonwealth, and the opportunities it provides.
Louise Wood
Head of Commercial Communications & Marketing, University of Chester
Director
Louise joined the University of Chester in 2016 as Head of Commercial Communications & Marketing. She is responsible for the development and management of all commercial communications and marketing activity across a number of commercial sectors.
Louise leads on all marketing and communications activities for the Association. Louise is passionate about promoting the international opportunities to businesses and students in Cheshire.
