Serving the business community of Altrincham & Sale for over a century.
About Us
Our Mission
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.
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.
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.
Board Member
Stephanie Smith is the Managing Director and Marketing Strategist behind We Are JJM, a bold creative marketing agency helping businesses build brands that are impossible to ignore.
With over 20 years of experience across marketing, brand strategy, social media and business growth, Stephanie works with ambitious businesses to create clear, creative and results driven marketing that connects with the right audience.
Known for her straight talking approach, creative energy and commercial mindset, Stephanie supports businesses with everything from brand positioning and content strategy to social media management, campaigns, content shoots and consultancy. She is passionate about helping business owners show up with confidence, tell their story properly and turn their marketing into something that feels exciting, consistent and effective.
As the founder of We Are JJM, Stephanie leads a creative team focused on bold ideas, strong visuals and marketing that gets brands seen, remembered and bought from.
Find out more about WE ARE JJM: https://wearejjm.com/
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.
Board Member
James is a qualified Mortgage and protection Adviser. He established JF Financial Solutions in 2017 having worked in the financial services industry since 2006. He has a degree in Business & Economics and a CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.
James specialises in helping Self Employed clients secure the right mortgage but covers all other customer types. James has an open and honest approach when speaking to clients and understands the key to great advice is knowing your customer; handling each case with as much thought and importance as if it were his own.
Outside of work James enjoys spending time with family, including his two young children. He also loves reading, walking, gardening and trying to play Golf.
Board Member
Ian is a qualified fire risk assessor and founder of Ignite Safety Limited, a fire safety consultancy based in the North West. He works with a broad range of premises from commercial offices and retail units to HMOs and care homes, delivering thorough fire risk assessments and practical, regulation-grounded safety advice.
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
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).
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.”
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.
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.
Supporting local businesses since 1910. Connecting, supporting, and growing the business community.
Photography by Martin Hambleton Commercial Photography
Copyright © 2025 Altrincham and Sale Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
