Chair - John Beard

For more than 24 years, John Beard has been contributing to the success and sustainability of Business Eastern Shore. In 2021 Business East Inc. transitioned to a Chamber of Commerce in the City of Clarence and changed its name to Business Eastern Shore. John continues to assist in organising the Business Eastern Shore Business Excellence and Service Awards, and the monthly Business After 5 Functions.

John was previously employed by the Commonwealth Bank for over 30 years.

Deputy Chair - Margaret Sutherland

Originally from Sydney Margaret came to Hobart in 1995 as Managing Director of Neville Jeffress Advertising, which later became TMP Worldwide. This necessitated a move to Melbourne with the responsibility of the Melbourne and Hobart agencies.

Margaret was in the industry for 35 years before deciding to return to Hobart to retire. Retirement did not eventuate, and she took the role of Executive Officer for Clarence Football club.

Margaret currently has a small business, Speakup, coaching speaking in public and allied skills to individuals and corporates.

Secretary - Cath McDowell

Cath McDowell has recently joined the Business East Board after being a Member for some time.

Cath comes with 29 years experience in the Plumbing industry, many of those spent managing the business before purchasing a few years ago. Cath is on several Board Panels including Master Plumbers Association and TasTAFE.

Treasurer - Josh Davey

Josh has been a dedicated professional in Accounting Public Practice since 2011 in the Business Advisory field. Throughout his career he has worked with small business owners across a wide range of industries. He also has a strong focus in the Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) and Investment space.

He holds a Bachelor of Business, concentrating on Accounting and Business Management. He is also a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and a proud member of the Eastern Shore community.

Public Officer - Daniel Hulme

Daniel Hulme served as a Clarence City Councillor from 2014-2018 and was re-elected in 2022. During both terms of Council, Daniel has had a particular focus on driving economic development in Clarence.

Since April 2022, Daniel has been compiling the monthly Business Eastern Shore News.

John Barry-Murphy

John Barry-Murphy is the Owner Operator of McDonald’s Australia Limited’s Howrah and Rosny Park restaurants (Yasinco Pty Ltd).

About 400 people are employed by his McDonald’s group of businesses and they give all the staff specialised training to develop their personal skills.

The Group is very deeply involved in fund raising for Ronald McDonald House and sponsors other community organisations.

Mathew Cowley

After 20 years in various financial and administrative roles Mathew decided to start his own bookkeeping business in May 2024. Deciding to purchase a Jim’s Bookkeeping Franchise was an easy one, as they share Mathew's mindset of caring, sharing and giving.

Newly elected to the Business Eastern Shore Board Mathew looks forward to helping our members continue to thrive.

Laura Davidson

Laura is the Events and Hospitality Manager of Nocton Vineyard, where she brings passion for Tasmanian wine, tourism, and community connection.

With years of experience in hospitality, business operations as a committee member, Laura is eager to contribute fresh ideas and support local growth.

Tobias (Toby) Martin

Toby Martin specialises in emergency fire equipment and electrical safety, operating Toby's Test & Tag since 2019. His range of experience includes but is not limited to: business strategy and investing, construction, automotive, financial technologies, cybersecurity and hospitality.

As a newly elected member of the board, he hopes his outside of the box thinking and straight-shooting, yet sociable approach to life and business will be valuable assets to the Eastern Shore business community.