As we are kicking off January with Crawley as Sussex Exclusive’s town of the month, what better person for our Commissioning Editor, Dee Blick, to interview for our freshly launched business pages than Wendy Bell? Wendy Bell is Chair of Crawley and Gatwick Chamber of Commerce (CGC CO Ltd), a Trustee of Ten Little Toes Baby Bank, and a former Chief Executive Officer at the Crawley Town Centre Bid, as well as being a business consultant.
A ball of positive energy
When you meet Wendy Bell, it hits you in seconds that she’s a ball of positive energy. Enthusiastic, can-do and sharp as a tack, you’re in the company of someone for whom going the extra mile, adding value to your project, and really giving you her all, well it’s all in a day’s work for Wendy. She’s an enthusiastic and tireless advocate of Crawley as a thriving business hub and has a strong philanthropic streak, evidenced by her recent trustee appointment at Ten Little Toes Baby Bank. She is quite simply a lovely woman you immediately warm to.
Share your elevator statement, please Wendy!
“As the Chair of CGC CO Ltd, a business organisation based in the Crawley and Gatwick area, I have a deep-seated love for people and for businesses, so my role as Chair marries these two loves in perfect harmony! I have a long and varied career, from finance and sales to running businesses in industries – ranging from the civil service to membership associations – even books of remembrance. I love learning about different industries and seeing how I can add value. Luckily, curiosity hasn’t killed this cat … yet!”
You are very much a person who thrives on getting things done and doing them well
“You’re so kind to say this. I have always enjoyed being a ‘fixer.’ If I see someone that needs something, I just can’t help myself, I want to help; much to the annoyance of family members when this has spilt into time spent with them. Bringing businesses together, watching them collaborate and expand, and seeing relationships flourish, well, it gives me huge job satisfaction. Seeking out and developing talent, giving others the opportunity to shine, is incredibly important to me, so I love being able to offer speaking opportunities and I enjoy making introductions.”
Why did you decide to become a Trustee at Ten Little Toes Baby Bank?
“The team at Ten Little Toes Baby Bank are phenomenal. They started from a desire to help by giving back to parents in need and have now grown into the most amazing charity. I’m awe of their commitment and their passion to help families that are struggling. They’re now at a pivotal moment in their development, so when they asked me to consider becoming a trustee, it was an honour and a privilege. I will only work with organisations where I can genuinely contribute, and the whole team has made me feel truly welcome. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds. I am committed to doing what I can to make it a positive one.”
With many businesses struggling, how do you maintain your positive outlook?
“This is a tough one! However, I always believe that no matter what is going on that is outside of our control, there are always opportunities. Sometimes it’s scary doing something different, but it can also be liberating. If you surround yourself with the right people, they will lift you up, even when things are difficult. The importance of resilience is often overlooked, but if you choose to face difficulties and emerge in one piece (mostly), then every experience is a learning experience that adds yet another piece to your armour! The best business stories for me are the ones that acknowledge struggles or challenges and then rise above them, or they stop and go again. Richard Branson is a great example of this.”
At work, when are you at your happiest?
“It always involves people and seeing something I’ve had a hand in providing joy for others. I love seeing people smile.”
Do you ever experience self-doubt?
“I think many of us have self-doubt, including me. I often wonder if I’m on the right path or if I could do something bigger or better. I compare my performance with others and am keen to learn from every interaction. I do try to be kinder to myself, albeit not enough and I take comfort from the fact that I’m surrounded by amazing people supporting and helping me. Life is a team effort, so I want to be everyone’s cheerleader and make their lives better just as they make my life better.”
Tell me about Crawley as a business hub
“Crawley is a wonderful, diverse and interesting place. It started as a 14th century market town and is now a modern urban ‘new town’. Crawley offers the most incredible opportunities for you to be anything you want to be! People from outside the town can find it difficult to navigate and, indeed, to fully understand the business environment, but Crawley is actually the machine room for the West Sussex economy. It’s not always pretty, but it’s hard working and sometimes a bit grimy (thanks to the brutal architecture of the 1950s and 60s). But when you go underneath the veneer, you find so many talented and enterprising people wanting to succeed. Tap into this passion and you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
How do others describe you?
I confess to using my LinkedIn page for this answer. Here are two testimonials, lifted from it.
“Wendy consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, vision, and an unwavering commitment to supporting local businesses and revitalising the town centre. Wendy is a leader of rare quality — strategic, people-focused, and unshakably principled. Any organisation or community would be fortunate to have her at the helm.”
Board Director, Crawley Town Centre BID
“Wendy is the most outstanding leader I have had the pleasure of working for. She has the most remarkable ability to foster an open and supportive working environment, allowing people to develop their strengths and grow. The kind of leader who brings out the best in others, fosters a positive and productive working culture, and ensures her team is successful and fulfilled. Wendy is a visionary leader with clear direction and goals. Always motivated, focused, and dedicated. Her ability to navigate challenges with resilience and grace is inspiring. I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from her and work under her great leadership.”
Team Member, Crawley Town Centre BID
In your free time?
I try to avoid housework, so you’ll often find me buried in a book!
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