Our Story

Serving the business community of Altrincham & Sale for over a century.

About Us

Our Mission

Championing Local Business

The Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting, connecting, and promoting businesses within our vibrant Community. We believe that a strong local economy benefits everyone.

Founded in 1909, we have evolved from a small group of local businesses to a diverse network of businesses, ranging from sole traders to established enterprises.

Our core values are Integrity, Community, and Growth. We work tirelessly to provide our members with the resources they need to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape.

Sue Aldridge

Chief Executive Officer

Sue Aldridge leads the Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce, supporting and connecting local businesses across the region.

As CEO of the Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce, Sue Aldridge leads the Chamber’s mission to support and connect local businesses. With extensive experience in business development and community engagement, she is passionate about driving growth and collaboration across the region and ensuring Altrincham and Sale remain thriving business communities.

Helen Sweeney

President

Helen is a Medical First Responder and Sports Therapist working across TV, film, and live events.

Helen runs Helen Sweeney Therapies in Altrincham and Sale and is an active member of Chamber events. With hands-on experience in fast-paced and high-pressure environments, she brings valuable insight and energy to her role as President.

Paul Edwards

Board Member

Paul is a Director at Kellands Chartered Financial Planners, with extensive experience in financial services and operations.

Paul has worked for Kellands since 2016, bringing his wealth of experience in managing high performing teams and holistic business management with him. Paul has also been instrumental in Kellands winning 25 national awards in the last 10 years, whilst also ensuring their Chartered Financial Planning Practice status is continually maintained.

Away from the office, Paul has a young family and spends his time keeping them entertained, trying to squeeze some sport in whenever free time allows.

Leah Mackay

Board Member – Events Co-ordinator

Leah Mackay is an independent travel consultant and events co-ordinator with a strong passion for supporting local businesses.

Originally from Perth, Australia, Leah is an independent travel consultant under the Travel Counsellors franchise. With years of experience in the travel industry, she is passionate about helping people explore the world while supporting local businesses to thrive through engaging and well-organised events.

Fran McAulay

Membership Co-ordinator

Fran McAulay is the first point of contact for members at the Altrincham & Sale Chamber of Commerce.

As Membership Co-ordinator, Fran supports members with their engagement, benefits, and connections within the local business community. Friendly and approachable, she is dedicated to helping members make the most of their Chamber experience and to fostering strong, lasting relationships across the network.

Leadership

Meet the Board

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Connect with local businesses, attend exclusive events, and access valuable resources to help your business grow.

Through the Ages

1909
The Beginning

Four local businessmen met on Stamford New Road to form the Altrincham & District Traders’ Association (ADTA) — now the Chamber of Commerce.

Their aim: to support traders, their employees, and the prosperity of the town.

Founders: Robert Gatley (President), H.C. Skipper (Chairman), Sam Burgess (Secretary), and James Brown (Treasurer).

1933
The Handy Book

The Chamber’s “Handy Book and Street Guide” showcased its key role in the town’s economy, proudly declaring:

“Value and service are the keystones between the customer and the trader.”

It reminded shoppers that “the Altrincham Trader can supply all your needs — things to eat, wear, use, or enjoy.”

1980s–1990s
Tough Times

The optimism of the 1970s gave way to recession.

By 1991, General Secretary Tony Littler noted Altrincham was “bumping along the bottom of recession but easing out with care.”

In 1999, the Sale and Altrincham Chambers officially merged, marking a new chapter.

2010
A Century of Service

The Chamber celebrated 100 years as one of the UK’s oldest independent Chambers.

A plaque was unveiled at Altrincham Town Hall, with President Jackie Campbell welcoming 93-year-old Basil Morrison, the Chamber’s longest-serving member.

The centenary dinner took place beneath the wings of Concorde at Manchester Airport — a truly “supersonic” celebration.

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