SOMERSET Chamber of Commerce has announced Stephen Henagulph as its new chief executive with immediate effect.

Mr Henagulph joins the chamber following the departure of Dale Edwards earlier this year.

He is well known to many in the Somerset business community, having worked as head of business services at Screwfix for the past five years.

He brings more than 25 years’ knowledge and experience gained through a career that spans B2B, retail, sales and marketing.

His commercial acumen and experience working with companies large and small mean he is well placed to lead the continuing development of the chamber, as well as having a strong understanding of the varied needs, requirements and aspirations of members.

Commenting on his new role, Mr Henagulph said: "Having worked closely with Somerset Chamber of Commerce since 2013 and watched its growth and development within the wider business community, I am delighted to now be part of this great organisation.

"It’s clear there is a real passion from both the chamber team and its members in driving all that’s best within Somerset.

“Whether members are sole traders, SMEs or PLCs, the collaborative working through the chamber of commerce is very apparent.

"I am looking forward to working with the chamber team at Equity House in Taunton and I’m equally excited at the prospect of meeting members from the wide-ranging businesses that make this organisation the force it is, both across this great county and the broader South West.”

Greg Saunders, chairman of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: "I am delighted by this appointment.

"We had a lot of interest in the role and the interview process was rigorous.

"Stephen brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable as we continue to develop and grow Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

"His commercial experience and strategic approach, combined with a personable nature and an enthusiasm for building strong working relationships, mean he’s an ideal fit for the chief executive role.

"I am very much looking forward to working with him and we will be introducing him to members and other key stakeholders over the coming weeks and months.”

Somerset Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based business support organisation that promotes and lobbies for business development in Somerset in order to encourage a vibrant local economy.

Accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce, the chamber ensures that member businesses stay well connected at a local, regional and national level, and that the voice of the Somerset business community is heard at all levels of government.