The new president of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce says he is relishing the opportunity to make a real difference to local businesses during the recession.

David Baker was elected at the chamber’s AGM on Wednesday, after six months as chairman.

Mr Baker, of Albert Road, who runs management training consultancy Labyrinth Training, said his motto for the year is ‘profit through partnership’.

“People have said to me that I must be mad being president this year,” he said.

“But I say it’s the best time because businesses need support from others more than ever.”

Interest in the chamber of commerce is already increasing with more than 60 people turning up to the AGM at Red or White restaurant in Castle Street, Trowbridge last week.

A series of executive impact teams, covering the areas of business to business, education, retail focus and marketing, have been set up to work specifically on their areas, with a chairman heading up each of them.

And the chamber is also bringing local schools into the fold through ‘young chambers’.

One of the first events Mr Baker has planned is a business-to-business event in the Civic Hall on May 19.

There will be opportunities to network and small seminars tackling issues that concern local businesses such as effective marketing, training, leadership and other skills that will help them survive the recession.

“We are re-engineering the chamber in a sense,” Mr Baker said.

“We will also be organising lots of business lunches, business-to-business meetings and other events.”