Employee ownership expert Chris Maslin becomes charity trustee

Businessman Chris Maslin has been appointed as a trustee of the charity The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre in Tunbridge Wells.

The centre, based in Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, celebrates its 20th anniversary later this year and was set up by a group of cancer patients who recognised the missing link within the NHS and the need for cancer support, not only for themselves but also for their family and close friends. Due to offering this support, the centre has thrived, however the existing trustees were looking for new talent to join their core team.

Chris, who is an expert in helping ethical business owners exit their businesses via an employee ownership trust, was invited to join the board of trustees due to his experience in the world of finance.

"I'd heard about Pickering, as they're often putting on fundraising events, and are a charity supported by many organisations. I'm fortunate cancer hasn't had much of an impact on my life to date though I’m aware that now one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime.

"Last year I was approached by the charity’s chairman, David Bartholomew. We';ve known each other for 15 years, and he's someone I've got a lot of time for. He explained their current 'financially savvy' trustee was looking to formally retire and asked if I'd be interested.

"Whilst I've never been a charity trustee before, it seemed a good fit. Increasingly my professional life involves trusts, trustees and governance. It's an interesting time for the charity. They've done amazingly well to grow to the size they have in just 20 years. They're now at a crossroads, with some of the 'old hands' who built it ready to pass on the baton. It's exciting to see what the future holds. One thing's for sure, it'll continue to provide amazing support both to cancer sufferers and those close to them."

Chris runs his company Go EO to help business owners leave their companies in the hands of trusted employees. Before that he had his own accountancy firm which left when he turned 40 – this practice is now an employee-owned business.

David Bartholomew, who chairs the charity’s board of trustees, said: "Chris's financial knowledge and business experience will prove invaluable to the charity as it moves into its third decade."

During 2024 and beyond, the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre is aiming to offer more counselling and therapy sessions, open its doors five days a week to help more people and will be celebrating 20 years with a special dinner in November.

For more information about the centre and its work visit https://www.pickeringcancercentre.org.uk