Former Lancashire radio boss takes helm of leading business group

A former boss of East Lancashire's local radio stations has been appointed to lead the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

Simon Brierley has taken over as chief executive of the Chamber, having previously spent 14 years as Managing Director of Lancashire Broadcasting Company, which operated 2BR.

He succeeds Miranda Barker and formally took up the role on September 1, following what the Chamber described as a comprehensive and competitive recruitment process.

Simon has been with East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce since 2019, serving as Membership Director and playing a key role in strengthening member engagement and helping to shape the organisation’s strategy.

Before moving into the wider business community, Simon had a long career in commercial radio in Lancashire.

He joined Burnley-based 2BR in its early years and was appointed to lead Blackburn station The Bee ahead of its launch in 2005. He later became Managing Director of 2BR, ultimately overseeing both stations and the expansion of the 2BR brand across Lancashire.

Under his leadership, 2BR grew from its original Burnley and Pendle service into a wider Lancashire radio operation, incorporating The Bee’s Blackburn service.

The business was eventually acquired by Global, with 2BR leaving the airwaves in 2019 when its frequencies became part of the Capital network.

Simon subsequently joined East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and has spent the past seven years working with businesses across the region.

Speaking about his appointment as chief executive, Simon said: “It is an immense privilege to be appointed Chief Executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

“Having worked alongside our members, partners, Board and colleagues over recent years, I have seen first-hand the important role the Chamber plays in supporting businesses and helping shape the future of our region.

“East Lancashire is a place I care deeply about and one that presents significant opportunities. Businesses are operating in an increasingly complex and fast-changing environment, and the Chamber's role as a trusted source of support, influence and connectivity has never been more important.”

Simon said his ambition was to build on the organisation’s existing foundations while increasing its influence and partnerships across the region.

He added: “I firmly believe that culture drives performance. By investing in our people, living our values and creating an environment where colleagues can thrive, we can deliver excellent outcomes for our members, our partners and the wider regional economy.”

Catherine Ogden, Chair of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Board, said Simon had emerged as the “outstanding choice” following the recruitment process.

She said: “Simon brings a combination of strategic thinking, commercial insight, a deep understanding of the Chamber and strong relationships across the East Lancashire business community.

“Throughout his career he has demonstrated the ability to lead through change, bring people together and deliver sustainable growth.”

Simon’s association with local radio stretches back more than two decades. He was part of 2BR from its early years and became Managing Director of The Bee when the Blackburn and Darwen station launched in 2005, before later taking responsibility for 2BR.

By the time 2BR was acquired, the operation had grown from a single local FM service into a multi-licence Lancashire radio brand also broadcasting on DAB.

Simon took up his new role as Chief Executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce on September 1.