LEADING businessman Neville Reyner has been elected president of the British Chambers of Commerce. Mr Reyner, who lives in Royston, is currently chairman of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He described becoming president as a great hono

LEADING businessman Neville Reyner has been elected president of the British Chambers of Commerce.

Mr Reyner, who lives in Royston, is currently chairman of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

He described becoming president as a "great honour".

Mr Reyner, 63, who was appointed a CBE in the 2001 New Year honours list for his services to business, said: "Business is a wealth creator and the engine behind the UK's prosperity and I will do my utmost to ensure that its interests are promoted at all levels."

Although he will be taking over as president in July, Mr Reyner says he will continue in his role with the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

"It is clear that businesses will face a number of challenges as a result of the current economic environment.

"It is vital that they receive appropriate support and are not unduly encumbered with unnecessary legislation," he said.

Mr Reyner added that he was set for the "challenge" of his new role.

Mr Reyner is a chartered electrical engineer who in 1998 left as UK executive vice-president of Mitsubishi Electric Europe after 15 years with the global company.

He is a former deputy chairman of the East of England Regional Development Agency and during his five-year term was involved in championing innovation, science and technology and engineering and manufacturing in the region.

He was a director of East of England Investment from 1997-2005.

Mr Reyner was appointed to the board of the British Chambers of Commerce in 2006 and became deputy president in May 2007.

He is, too, chairman of Groundwork Hertfordshire, a charity aimed at building sustainable communities through joint environmental action.

In 2003, he became deputy lieutenant of Hertfordshire.

Speaking about the appointment, Royston's MP Oliver Heald said he was "delighted" that Mr Reyner had been elected to the position.

"This is a huge achievement for someone who has given a great deal to business in the eastern region and nationally."

Tim Hutchings, chief executive of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, said he was "absolutely delighted" with Mr Reyner's appointment.

"With his support we have developed into one of the country's leading chambers, a fact that I believe is recognised through his election.