Colchester Business Enterprise Agency (Colbea) is delighted to welcome Chris Holmes to its board of directors.
Mr Holmes retired from the role of Senior Partner with Essex law firm, Birkett Long Solicitors, in 2007 but remains as a Consultant. His 45 years with the firm began as an Articled Clerk; in later years he was much in demand for his expertise in family law, becoming a Recorder sitting on the South Eastern Circuit and driving the opening of Birkett Long’s third office in Chelmsford.
In 2000 Mr Holmes was awarded an OBE for his work in fund raising for the St Helena Hospice in Colchester. He was Chairman there from 1982 to 1996, and until recently has held the post of Vice President. In 1990 he became Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Essex, and from 1996 he has been Chairman of the Macmillan Cancer Support in Essex charity, where he was responsible for leading three appeals that raised over £4.6m. He is also a Trustee of the Essex Community Foundation, sitting on the Grants and Finance Committee.
Bob Baggalley, Colbea’s Chief Executive, said: “Chris will be a real asset to our board with his knowledge of law, experience in charitable work and local community links, and we are thrilled to welcome him.”
