A CHESHIRE charity has strengthened its presence in Knutsford and Holmes Chapel by appointing a new business connector.

Cheshire Connect specialises in working with charities and community groups to identify areas where access to specific business skills and expertise will make a positive difference to their short or long-term goals.

Anne Byrne has now joined the charity in one of two roles funded by housing group, Plus Dane and Cheshire Community Foundation.

Helen O’Donnell, chief executive of Cheshire Community Foundation, said “Cheshire Community Foundation is delighted to support the work of Cheshire Connect by funding additional Business Connectors across Cheshire East.

“It is important that any philanthropic support provided to the local voluntary sector is more than just financial.

“Cheshire Connect enables voluntary sector organisations to build capacity, business skills and resilience which not only helps them develop sustainability for the future but means that they can then go on to best use any donor support they may receive to provide for the needs of their clients and beneficiaries, changing local lives for the better”.

Anne is an accomplished and creative marketer across a broad range of disciplines, with more than 25 years of experience in her field.

Donna Okell, CEO of Cheshire Connect said: “Throughout Cheshire there are some truly inspirational stories emerging from the connections our team has made between local businesses, charities and community organisations.

“Anne’s appointment and skills gained in the commercial sector will help Cheshire Connect extend that work into the Knutsford and Holmes Chapel areas”.

An additional appointed Business Connector will be responsible for Congleton and

Sandbach.

To find out more about how your business or charity could benefit from

Cheshire Connect’s free business matching service, call Business Connector;

Anne Byrne on 07866 452525 or email: annebyrne@cheshireconnect.org