HANNAH Goodenough has been appointed head of business development for the South-West team of the Institute of Directors.

She will be responsible for retaining and attracting membership across the region, including in Somerset.

She has previously led business development for several companies, including BSCL, IT and cable network specialists CableCom Networking and SMG Rover.

Ms Goodenough said: “Because this is a new role, I have in effect a blank sheet of paper which is challenging and exciting at the same time.

“I am very impressed with the enthusiasm of the branches which, although very different, offer tremendous value to the members in different ways, be it events, networking, director development or sharing of best practice.”

Simon Face, regional director said: "Hannah's appointment comes at a time when we are seeing renewed vigour in the business community in the South-West as economic recovery takes hold.

"As the leading development organisation in the UK for directors and entrepreneurs we are confident that our membership base will continue to grow and we will remain at the forefront of business leadership in the region."