WOKING CHAMBER - Key Persons

Boris Rusen - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Treasurer
Boris has been our treasurer since April 2023. He is responsible for the Chamber's current and future stability and growth. He oversees all financial transactions and fundraising efforts going in or out of an organizing committee. Boris is also a resident in Woking town centre since 2015, and as local businessman, running MAIL BOXES ETC. Woking Branch, local high street based friendly print, postal and courier service provider since 2009.

Bruce Penson

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Environmental Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee
Bruce chairs the Environment Committee for Woking Chamber of Commerce. Outside of the Chamber, he is Managing Director of Woking based IT services business Pro Drive IT and also supports schools and colleges in the Woking borough through his voluntary work.

Clare Charrett

Clare has been involved in the Woking commercial property market since joining Morgan Smithyes in 1999. Prior to that she worked in various administration roles within the property sector, forming a strong foundation of property knowledge. Clare primarily deals with offices, retail and industrial space in and around the Woking area, and works alongside Peter Richards and Simon Fitch.

Dave Peet - President

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • President
  • Business Manager at Local Accountancy Firm Menzies
This is Dave's second stint as President. Currently a Business Manager at local accountancy firm Menzies, Dave is very passionate about supporting businesses in Woking.

Franco Orlando

Described as a high-flyer within the industry and a extremely successful estate agent, Franco Orlando started his career at Mann & Co in 1986 when it was the largest independent estate agent in the country. By the 1990s it had become Countrywide, where Franco achieved many accolades and rose through the ranks from negotiator, manager, area manager and sales director to become managing director for Bairstow Eves (West London) Countrywide from 1998 - 2003. He left in 2003 to open and became a partner of Seymours Woking, which today is considered to be one of Woking's most successful and reputable estate agents.

Jason Lawes

I made the leap to start my own graphic and web design business in 2012 after having been employed for many years.

John-Paul Jackson

John-Paul has over 35 years' experience in commercial property management specialising in shopping centres. He has worked for a number of large property consultancies and has been with Savills since 2008. John-Paul has been involved with the management of The Peacocks Centre for over 20 years and has been the Centre Manager of the estate now known as Victoria Place since 2014.

Mark Crossan

Job Titles:
  • Senior Manager
  • Local Accountants
Mark is a senior manager at local accountants Menzies LLP based in Woking. Mark advises owner managed businesses with practical tax efficient advice and acts for small to medium sized companies, partnerships and LLP's. For over 20 years I have specialised in acting for legal practices ranging from sole practitioners to substantial partnerships and LLP's.

Martine Robins

Job Titles:
  • Owner of the HR Dept Surrey Hills
Martine is the owner of The HR Dept Surrey Hills and opened the office in June 2016 having worked in senior generalist HR roles throughout her career in a variety of business sectors including engineering, manufacturing, technology and professional services in UK, European and Global roles. Martine is passionate about helping businesses understand how their people can successfully support business growth and aspire to be an ‘employer of choice'.

Rebecca Charlesworth

Job Titles:
  • Business Development Director
  • Member of the Executive Committee
Rebecca has enjoyed the role of Business Development Manager for Woking Chamber of Commerce for 2 years, managing events and membership for the Chamber. She also runs her own Office Supplies business, Officeset Ltd. In her spare time, she also works for Porsche Brooklands.

Richard Field

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Stephen Hall - Chairman, VP

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Vice President
Stephen has over 35+ years' experience in the property industry. He previously worked at Northcroft (now part of Capita Property & Infrastructure) before joining Madlins in 2004 as a Senior Surveyor, promoted to Associate in 2007 and becoming a Partner in 2015. Stephen has advised a wide range of Private and Commercial Clients and specialises in both Quantity Surveying and Project Management, providing advice on the full range of pre and post Contract services for both new build and refurbishment projects.

Tony Brannagan

Councillor on Woking Borough Council serving 13 years between 2000 and 2016, with main interest in Planning. Mayor of the Borough 2014 to 2015.

Zo Khan

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
Zo, currently a partner at the renowned Estate Agency, Seymour's, joined the Executive of Woking Chamber of Commerce to support local businesses by sharing his knowledge and experience. Having been successful in the property industry for almost twenty years, his approach of leading by example and belief in the importance of networking make a great basis for encouraging businesses to help one another.