Cambridgeshire, UK. August 7th 2025 – Two members of the team at Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce have been shortlisted for a prestigious global award recognising outstanding talent across the UK.
Connor Butler and Dr Ilona Karpanos have been named finalists in the Rising Star category at the 2025 British Chamber Awards, a key event in the UK business calendar run by the British Chambers of Commerce.
The award celebrates professionals who are already making a significant impact within their Chamber and the wider business community.
Connor Butler, Engagement Manager, joined Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce in 2022 and has since played a central role in driving member engagement, financial growth and strategic influence.
He has significantly grown the Chamber’s Patron Programme, increasing its value by more than 300 per cent. He also led a transformation of the Chamber’s committee structures into modern, inclusive forums that better represent the region’s diverse business community.
His work delivering high-level political roundtables has brought key national figures to the region, including the Business Secretary and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
“Connor consistently delivers above and beyond expectations,” said Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. “He has made a significant and lasting impact across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Stamford. He is not only a rising star within the Chamber but a rising force within the wider business community.”
Beyond his role at the Chamber, Connor is a trustee of Peterborough Cathedral, a governor at a local school, and supports youth development through mentoring, work experience and college interview preparation. His broad involvement in community and civic life has contributed to a growing regional profile.
Dr Ilona Karpanos, who joined the Chamber in April 2024 as International Trade and Economic Development Manager, has already made a major contribution to the Chamber’s international agenda.
Shortly after joining, she supported a Cambridgeshire business in successfully entering the Ghanaian market, creating a pathway for further trade opportunities. Her leadership in delivering large-scale international events has enabled more than 100 businesses to connect with diplomats, trade ministers and commercial experts.
“Ilona embodies the spirit of innovation, collaboration and impact,” said Charlotte Horobin. “She’s already helped businesses break into new international markets, navigate complex trade challenges, and seize global opportunities. Her support is making a real difference where it counts.”
Ilona brings a strong academic and professional background to her work. She holds a PhD in Political Science and International Business and has worked as a consultant across a range of sectors.
Since joining the Chamber, she has also delivered internal training, improved support logistics for exporters and strengthened the Chamber’s capacity to assist companies in expanding overseas.
Charlotte added that the nominations reflect the strength of talent within the organisation and the region. “To see both Connor and Ilona recognised at national level is a moment of real pride for us and for the wider Cambridgeshire business community.”
Winners of the British Chamber Awards will be announced at a gala dinner in October.
Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce will also host its next major event, Trade and Investment Opportunities, on Thursday 4 September at the Institute for Manufacturing in Cambridge.
The event will bring together trade experts, diplomats, legal professionals and business leaders to explore international strategy, market access and investment opportunities. Registration is now open: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/event/trade-and-investment-opportunities/
Upcoming Event Details: Trade and Investment Opportunities
Date: Thursday 4 September
Time: 8.15am – 2.00pm
Venue: Institute for Manufacturing, Alan Reece Building, 17 Charles Babbage Road, Cambridge, CB3 0FS
To learn more about the Chamber Patronage programme, contact Connor Butler at c.butler@cambscci.co.uk. For international trade support, reach out to Dr Ilona Karpanos at i.karpanos@cambscci.co.uk.
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