BLACK Country Chamber of Commerce has announced Mike Dell as its new president, succeeding Peter Mathews, who stepped down at the end of March.

Mr Dell will be responsible for representing business in the Black Country, working with each of the local boards and decision-makers in a bid to ensure the Chamber influences policy for the benefit of local business.

He is managing director of Rubber Astic, which specialises in converting foam and plastic, trading with customers across the globe in the automotive, electronic, aviation, aerospace, marine sectors.

Mr Mathews said: “The boards and I are delighted to have Mike Dell as president. It is a natural progression from Mike’s time spent as Dudley president for almost three years. Mike is committed to ensure that we are a voice for industry, commerce and innovation right across our region and beyond.”

He added: “During Mike’s first year as president, I will continue to offer him my help and support, in taking on my role as immediate past president.”

Mr Dell said: “Going forward, I would like to build on Peter’s successes. The Chamber has a reputation for working successfully with decision-makers to ensure that the real business voice is heard and to influence policy for the benefit of local business.

“We will continue to build on this, through credible policy and lobbying activity, led by our members.

“It is essential that we are able to get direct input from our members to develop a strong evidence base on the breadth and depth of issues affecting business, so I would like to ask all of our members to continue to send in their invaluable feedback and responses to our Quarterly Economic Surveys.”

He added: “Finally, I would like to welcome our new local Chamber presidents, Andy Dent, managing director of Innovit, who succeeds David Jukes to become the new president of the Wolverhamtpon Chamber, Paul Bennett, corporate services partner at George Green, who succeeds myself as new president of Dudley Chamber, David Brown succeeds John Murray to become president of Walsall Chamber and congratulations to Tony Lear, of Tony Lear Consulting, who is extending his term as Sandwell president.

“I look forward to working with each of the local Presidents and their boards to ensure the Chamber flourishes in the future.”