Serena's joining takes IoD to major milestone

GUERNSEY'S Institute of Directors has reached a double milestone this year. Company secretary Serena Tremlett has become the local branch's 500th member while commercial property lawyer Shelagh Mason has become its first chairwoman.

The IoD endeavours to support businesses in all sectors of the island through training programmes, use of London premises and providing the opportunity for directors to network.

Mrs Tremlett, who established the Guernsey office of the FTSE 250-listed Assura Group Ltd, was surprised to learn that hers was the prestigious membership number.

'I think it's a fantastic organisation to be a part of. It is nationally as well as internationally known and provides the opportunity to have contact with other directors,' she said.

'The IoD has a strong track record in Guernsey as being an organisation that really helps shape the business future of the island and I felt I wanted to be part of it.'

Mrs Tremlett was born in London but moved to Guernsey at the age of four and attended Ladies' College.

Her working life has covered the range of financial services available in the island, during which time she has worked for seven years at the then Guernsey International Fund Managers and two at Mourant (Guernsey) Ltd.

She set up the Guernsey office of the Assura Group Ltd with her team a year ago.

The company invests in and develops primary health-care property, community hospitals and integrated pharmacy and joint-venture partnerships with GPs to provide outpatient and diagnostic procedures.

Mrs Tremlett said she thought it would be difficult to address the lack of female directors in Guernsey.

'On my own board, there is none apart from me.

'The situation needs to be addressed, as well as promoting diversity on boards,' she said.

'Someone said to me recently that your traditional board is pale, male and stale.

'I want to move away from that as much as possible.'