Skip to content
Connectors

Why it Matters to Believe in Business – Shevaun Haviland, British Chambers of Commerce

About This Episode

Joining Michael on Change Makers is Shevaun Haviland, Director-General of the British Chambers of Commerce, with a clarion call for renewed confidence in ‘Brand Britain’.

On the roof of the Corinthia hotel in the heart of the capital, Shevaun shares her vision for revitalising the country’s self-image, and the importance of public-private partnerships in driving economic growth.

Shevaun spoke to Michael about her extensive experience across the public and private sectors, and how she has always maintained the belief that  the UK remains the best place in the world for starting and growing a business.

And in the week of a General Election, Shevaun remains optimistic about Britain’s potential, no matter the result. She emphasises the importance of playing as a team, attracting inward investment, and showcasing the best of what Britain has to offer.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce

Shevaun Haviland is the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the national representative body of 53 chambers of commerce across the UK. The chambers represent 50,000 businesses, which employ six million people.

Shevaun joined the BCC from the Cabinet Office where she has worked for the last five years running the Business Partnerships team and leading the Inclusive Economy Partnership which aims to build a stronger economy and fairer society through partnerships between government, businesses and civil society.

Prior to joining central government, Shevaun had an extensive private sector career and was at the forefront of digital innovation through her work as the Founding Director of the Academy of Digital Business Leaders and as a Director at Independents United.

Listen on all your favourite platforms

Lockdown List

What is a book that has changed your life?

I would have to go with Connect by John Browne which I bought for myself when I had just joined the Cabinet Office. It’s all about business with purpose and prioritising radical engagement between business and wider society. Joining the Civil Service as an impact investor I already had a strong passion for business as a force for good – but Connect really helped shift my mindset and remains at the forefront today – radical engagement between businesses and society is after all at the heart of the Chambers of Commerce.

What are you watching at the moment?

Whilst perhaps not the most thought-provoking watch on TV at the moment, I confess that my go-to on an evening is Jack Reacher. After a long day you just can’t go wrong with mindless American action and drama – the definition of escapism TV.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Without a doubt I’d have to say Paul Polman, the former CEO of Unilever. My dad worked for Unilever for 30 years and I spent a good chunk of my childhood growing up in Wirral in Port Sunlight, the village that was built  just for their workers. He was one of the first believers in the importance of looking after your people, and that labour is more than just labour. By building housing and looking after his people he showed the world that you can build profitable businesses, and do right by your people at the same time.

What is your best tip for life?

I have two: ‘Say yes to every opportunity’ and ‘See the world as soon as you can’.

What is your quote for life?

One that I had stuck to the wall of my childhood bedroom was – ‘Pourquoi Pas?’ Or ‘Why Not?’ as in – just give it a go! Very much in line with my best tip for life!

What five tracks are you listening to at the moment?

  1. Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader (a favourite of mine and my sons)
  2. 1999 by Prince (who coincidentally is my favourite artist of all time)
  3. If you were to ask any of my friends they would probably say, Walking on Sunshine by Katrina And The Waves.
  4. My go-to song when I go out running is 9-5 by Dolly Parton.
  5. And lastly, my wedding song which was My First My Last My Everything by Barry White – where my husband actually surprised me on the big day by hiring a Barry White lookalike to be the DJ at our reception.

Find out more

Subscribe to Change Makers Podcast