Blue Bell Group Managing Director, Sue Brownson OBE, was elected ‘Master of the Coach & Coach Harness Makers’ on 1st September, becoming the first ever female to hold this highly acclaimed position with The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers of London.

Sue Brownson has joined a long list of previous ‘Masters’ dating back to 1677. The official ceremony took place at The Tallow Chandlers on 1st September and Sue will now enjoy her historic position as ‘Master of the Coachmakers’ for the next year.

The Coachmakers’ Company is a charitable association, which traditionally supports the heritage of coach and coach harness making, and today promotes excellence in the modern automotive, aerospace and rail industries.

Together with her husband, Group Chairman Chistopher Brownson, Sue heads up the Blue Bell Group, which includes four BMW and MINI dealerships in Wilmslow and Crewe as well as a group Bodyshop in Wilmslow. Sue received royal recognition for her services to the retail motor industry and charity work back in 1998 when she was awarded an OBE and last year she was also honoured with the title ‘Modern Muse’ by Everywoman - the UK’s leading provider of training, resources and support services for women in business. Everywoman created the ‘Modern Muse’ initiative to inspire and engage the next generation of female business leaders and entrepreneurs by showcasing successful and inspirational women of today from all walks of business life.

As part of her most recent accolade as ‘Master of the Coachmakers’, Sue Brownson will become involved with The Coachmakers’ Company’s charitable work, which sees donations made towards training in the automotive and aerospace industries, and educational bursaries granted to students studying Motor Vehicle Design at the Royal College of Art.

Sue Brownson comments: “I am extremely honoured to become ‘Master of The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers of London’. It has a wealth of heritage, and I am delighted to be involved with a company that promotes excellence within the automotive, aerospace and rail industries, as well as providing essential support to emerging talent within the sector. I was nervous at the official ceremony, but I am now looking forward to contributing to the excellent work of The Coachmakers’ Company over the next year.”