The former Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce CEO has said she is "humbled" to receive an honorary degree for her services to enterprise and the community.

Briege Leahy, who led the Chamber for four years, was presented with her Honorary Master of Science by the Hatfield-based University of Hertfordshire at a special ceremony in St Albans Cathedral.

She said: “I am beyond delighted to have been recognised in this way.

It was an honour to receive the degree alongside those graduates who are now starting their careers while I am looking for my next move.” 

During her tenure at the Herts Chamber, Briege supported the organisation and its members through the challenges of COVID-19, and went on to grow the membership as it passed the 1,000 milestone for the first time, becoming one of the fastest growing Chambers in the UK.

She also oversaw a 70 per cent increase in turnover at the Chamber. 

Last year, she received a special recognition award from the organisation to recognise her work in supporting the business community. 

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Briege Leahy, who was presented with her Honorary Master of Science from the University of Hertfordshire at St Albans Cathedral.Briege Leahy, who was presented with her Honorary Master of Science from the University of Hertfordshire at St Albans Cathedral. (Image: Supplied by Strand PR)

“I was shocked to be presented with that award, and I am humbled to now be singled out by the University for this privilege. 

“I have enjoyed many opportunities in my career to be able to lead teams and manage companies providing key services.

My position at the Chamber enabled me to use the many skills I had picked up over the years to support the incredible Hertfordshire business community.” 

Earlier in her career, Briege was sales director at Becker Transport and Unitrans before co-founding Luna Logistics in 2010, leading it to a successful sale almost eight years later.  

“I am now looking forward to a new chapter and considering the various options I have. I am a businesswoman at heart and I get enormous satisfaction from supporting others to achieve their goals.”

The Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce is based at York House, in Salisbury Square, Old Hatfield.