New top business team

Staffordshire business leaders from have welcomed a new president and his deputy.

It is all change at the top for the Lichfield and Tamworth division of Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Mike Castree, of Dains Accountants, Lichfield, and Craig Davies, of Tamworth-based Solicitors Pickerings, have been elected president and deputy respectively. They have spoken of their delight at the appointments at the AGM staged at the Old School House in Weeford recently.

They said that they were keen to work together with the chamber for the benefit of businesses in the area.

More than 50 business leaders from the region flocked to the lunchtime meeting.

And the guest speaker was Craig Hibbert, managing director of Lichfield-based company Palletways, who revealed to the audience the success of his company from its embryonic stage through to the present day.

"It was an excellent event, getting business people together in this format is just part of what the Chamber of Commerce is seeking to achieve," said new president Mr Castree.

"It is also the voice of business for the Tamworth and Lichfield area - being seen as the lobbying forum at local, regional and national Government level."

He added: "Dains have been a member of the Southern Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry for many years and would recommend any forward-thinking business become part of the business community and join the membership."

* The Chamber is looking for sponsorship to support the National Power Boat Championship to be held at Bodymoor, near Tamworth, on September 1 and 2.

Sponsorship starts from £500 for logos on boats for a season, to full corporate packages. For details call Mark Gilbert on 01543 450022.