The Committee
Heather Thirtle F.R.I.C.S. – President
Heather Thirtle is Chartered Valuation Surveyor and Estate Agent working in Buckhurst Hill.
She has been a member of the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce for many years and has served as Chairman for a long period and now as President. Her other duties are as Assistant to the Treasurer and Social Events.
Carol Byatt – Chair
Carol has worked for many different companies over her working life – from large blue-chip companies to smaller SMEs although has worked for herself since 2005 with Office Wizards – specialising in bookkeeping and payroll with clients still retained from when she first set up her business.
She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren – having just been made a great grandmother! Reading, travelling to different countries, good food and friends.
Carol is Chair of the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce and is passionate about the chamber having seen first-hand the support it can offer to businesses – its role today is the same as it was over 70 years ago – to be there offering support and advice to businesses.
Carol also spends a lot of time of her time working on behalf of the Chamber- setting up networking events, business fairs and forums and running quiz nights.
Seamus Setterfield – Vice Chair
For over 40 years Seamus has worked in the Funeral Profession. Seamus has worked 27 years at Daniel Robinson & Sons Ltd, Independent Family Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons, covering all aspects of the job and being part of the Management Team. He is usually based at their Epping and Loughton offices. He has been involved with the chamber as a member and part of the executive committee, and also a member of the Epping Rotary Club for over 20 years.
Rita Green – Vice Chair
After spending 10 years focusing on Investment Banking and IT management, in 2016 Rita made a pivotal decision to shift her career towards the healthcare sector. Rita’s primary aim became providing personalised programs and lifestyle activities to improve the live of individuals in a residential setting.
Since 2023, Rita has worked for and supported companies based in London and in Essex utilising her skills and expertise.
Rita continually works hard to develop strong relationships within the community, in both the professional and charity industries. Rita has a genuine passion for making a positive impact on the community and giving back through her work.
With her extensive experience, diverse skill sets, and unwavering commitment, Rita continues to thrive in any role she undertakes.
Rita is thrilled to be a member of the Executive Committee for the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce. She is looking forward to being an integral part of the committee and utilising her skills and experience in this role.
Eleanor Laing – Patron
Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce plays an extremely important role in our local community. It is vital that we have a forum where local businesses can come together to discuss the issues that matter. It has been a great honour for me to be patron of the Chamber of Commerce and I greatly enjoy working with all the members.
I would encourage everyone who runs a business locally to become involved. It’s very positive!
Dr Neil Hudson – MP – Patron
Dr Neil Hudson MP is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Epping Forest. Neil’s family have lived in Epping Forest for decades and Neil started his veterinary career working in and around Epping Forest. Neil’s grandfather was an RAF pilot stationed at North Weald Airfield in 1928, and Neil’s late father was a Parish Councillor in North Weald, and a member of the Board of Governors of Epping St John’s School.
Professionally, prior to entering politics, Neil is a veterinary surgeon by background, with specialised training and experience in Equine Medicine and has worked in large and small animal veterinary practice and academia in the UK and Australia. In 2001, Neil spent a period as a Veterinary Inspector during the 2001 Foot and Mouth Crisis. He has postgraduate qualifications in Equine Medicine and Gastroenterology and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Neil served in the 2019-2024 Parliament as a Conservative Member of Parliament for a seat now abolished following the 2023 Review of Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries in England. In Parliament, Neil has been an active member of the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee. Neil was the first vet elected to the House of Commons since 1884 and brings extensive real-life experience to help inform policy in areas such as education, health, science and animal welfare. Neil has campaigned on many issues such as improving mental health, public services, food security and transport links. Neil is passionate about prioritising the UK’s strong global security, boosting the nation’s physical and mental health, and protecting our precious green and blue spaces. In August 2024 Neil received a special honour from the RSPCA – Neil was awarded the newly-introduced Massingham Advocacy award which recognises elected officials who have demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to advocating for animals.
In November 2024 Neil was appointed by the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, as a Shadow DEFRA Minister (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).
Neil is married with two sons. Outside politics, his interests include football, cricket (he played for Woodford Green Cricket Club in his student days), cycling, music (playing the piano), theatre and walking his dogs Juno and Poppy.
Neil is passionate about standing up for the people of Epping Forest.
I would encourage everyone who runs a business locally to become involved. It’s very positive!
Julian Pye
Julian Pye has worked for almost 35 years as a Civil Servant and is now semi-retired, but still does some cleaning work. He also volunteers for the Epping Forest Foodbank (where he is a Health and Safety Officer) as well as for Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce where he has been involved for over 5 years.
Paul Violet
Paul had operated in various areas of Financial Services throughout his 55 years working life. This was combined with internal training and development over many of those years. He established himself as an acknowledged source of personal development guidance. Paul has, for some years, been chairman of the Waltham Abbey Town Partnership, working alongside local business and the Town Council.
He also leads the local Community Networking group, Waltham Abbey LINK. He is actively involved in various other local initiatives aimed at improving the ‘Waltham Abbey Experience’.
Mitchell Herber
Mitchell has 30 years of cross-disciplinary experience in the audio-visual, education and management fields. He organised and founded a centralised print and media unit, introducing cutting-edge desktop publishing systems for several Inner London colleges.
Since 1990 Mitchell has founded and directed three marketing & advertising, graphics design and print enterprises with clientele including such names as Jordan Grand Prix F1 Team, FA Premier league, Oki Europe, Xerox and many others.
Mitchell plays for Heathcote Table Tennis Club in the West Essex League. He is also a keen scuba diver and has dived extensively around the world.
Stephen Silver – Insolvency Expert
Stephen Silver has dedicated over 40 years to the insolvency profession, providing invaluable support to individuals and business owners facing financial challenges. With his extensive experience, Stephen has become a trusted advisor for those confronting seemingly insurmountable difficulties. His deep understanding of insolvency law and compassionate approach make him the go-to person when financial issues arise.
Stephen’s expertise lies in guiding clients through complex financial problems, offering tailored solutions to alleviate stress and restore stability. His commitment to helping others navigate their financial crises has earned him a reputation for reliability and effectiveness.
Whether you’re an individual struggling with personal debt or a business owner facing insolvency, Stephen Silver’s wealth of knowledge and empathetic support can help you find a path forward.
John Price
John Price has been a member of the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce since 1996, serving as Chairman for six years and holding Lifetime Membership in recognition of his long contribution to the local business community.
A professional photographer and fine artist since the 1960s, John built a distinguished career in commercial, industrial, and corporate photography, working with major clients including Hawker Siddeley, British Gas, and RTZ across the UK and overseas.
John is co-founder and director of ANVOB , A New Vision of Britain CIC a community interest company based in Waltham Abbey that delivers photography, art, and nature-based wellbeing programmes in and around Epping Forest. He is a passionate advocate for the natural environment and strongly believes in the role that nature, creativity, and community connection play in supporting people’s lives and the health of the local area.
He brings decades of business experience and a deep commitment to Epping Forest and its communities to the committee