A leadership change is to take place at Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

Jacqui Rock, President, is moving on after two years at the helm. Bill Perkins, the current Treasurer. has been appointed to the role. Yvonne Devereux remains as Vice President for the coming year.

The handover will take place during the AGM followed by a black-tie President’s Dinner on Thursday March 23.

The event, at The Cumberland Hotel from 6:30pm, includes a three-course dinner with wine followed by Susie Kimber entertaining the guests.

Announcing the change, Bill said: “Jacqui has played an instrumental role in growing the membership though sourcing grant funding which has been put to good use by creating new and reinstating historic trading districts in the conurbation.

“Additionally, she has been influential in obtaining a new business support programme soon to be rolled out to position us as a business hub in support of our members via video training and learning.

“We thank her for her two-year Presidency and I look forward to progressing this, and other projects, in our onward journey to strengthen and boost local business.

“In the meantime we wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”

Jacqui said: “Bournemouth Chamber today serves our members in a wide range of sectors.

“This would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the guidance of the Chamber Board of Directors.

“As I move to pursue new interests I thank the Board, who are all volunteers, for their dedication and commitment to achieve growth and to widen our geographic outreach.”