Ambassadors

Ambassadors of YMCA Exeter are people of influence within the local business community. They act as a point of contact between us and their networks, introducing us to like-minded people who want to create a lasting legacy through the YMCA.

Ambassadors are able to speak passionately about the YMCA and own their reasons for being involved. As an ambassador you will raise our profile by sharing content on social media, you will get a short biography on our website and receive an official YMCA pin badge.

To find out more about becoming a YMCA Ambassador, email: bethan.spencer@ymcaexeter.org.uk.

Chris Lorimer has held Executive Roles at Barclays in the South West, Midlands and London, including as Head of Operational Excellence where he led improvement programmes across the Bank. In 2005, he moved to Devon with his family and became a Director of Exeter College where he was responsible for external engagement, employer relationships and recruitment activities. In 2010 he became Deputy Principal at Bicton College where he established a number of initiatives including the Exeter Chiefs Academy, Military Academy and Bicton EaRTH Centre.

Since 2013 he has been a management consultant, establishing a strong client following across a range of sectors, including public sector, manufacturing, business services and logistics. He has an MBA (Warwick), is an operational improvement expert and has been published regularly across media. Chris is very well connected across the South West and is a Director of Exeter Chamber of Commerce.

Chris lives near Payhembury with his wife and four children where they run a sustainable venue called Devon Business & Education Centre. He is a long time supporter of YMCA Exeter and has helped raise funds through our Sleep Easy campaigns.

Sandra comes to YMCA Exeter with a wealth of knowledge in the IT sector having run her company, Connexion Software, with her husband for the last six years.

Sandra is a connector of people, linking individuals in the business community. Sandra runs two networking groups in Exeter as well as more recently joining a third. Sandra is always seeking new knowledge and connections that could help others to improve their business performance, helping them make connections and thrive.

Sandra lives in Ottery St Mary with her husband and three children. She has been a long-time supporter of YMCA Exeter, having raised funds through our Sleep Easy campaigns and helping to organise our annual Black Tie Events which take place in October.

We are really delighted to welcome Sandra as an Ambassador and we look forward to working with her to create supportive communities where all young people belong.

Alex Wren is the Managing Director of Bitpod, a family business that specialises in creating videos, animations and working with new technologies such as live streaming.

After four years at Plymouth University studying Marine Electronics, Alex’s earlier career included working at Exeter’s first ISP, developing video conferencing solutions and building a business offering customer internet applications. Alex then worked as a digital marketing consultant helping businesses to embrace eCommerce, internet applications and social media before setting up Bitpod in 2010.

Alex is an active member of the Exeter business community with roles in a number of organisations focussing on business support and the use of science and technology. He lives in East Devon with his wife Angi, two daughters Jess and Hannah, three cats and a dog!

Alex’s support of YMCA Exeter started with taking part in the annual sponsored sleep-out, Sleep Easy, in March 2018. It has since continued with running staff training in film as well as producing a new promotional video for YMCA.