CHAMBER OF COMMERCE president Mark Trenchard has been re-elected unopposed for a further two years. Paul Luxon was appointed as his vice-president, succeeding Vernon Etherington.

At its AGM last week, it celebrated a successful and productive 12 months and looked forward to next year’s bicentenary with some exciting developments.

Mr Trenchard thanked Mr Etherington for his support and guidance.

‘With the utmost respect, he has truly been a wise old man to me. I am honoured to be able to represent you for another period and believe I am still standing here as there is still work in progress to move business on the island forward.’

Mr Luxon, the managing director of Cimandis, said Chamber played a vital role in the local business community, adding that it was important that businessmen committed time and effort to it.

‘I have worked on various Chamber sub-groups in the past but have never sat on the council, so I am looking forward to that learning curve and challenge,’ he said.

‘I hope my business experience will be of benefit if and when I become president.’

On the way soon is a new-look website. Mr Trenchard was confident it would become a communication tool to stimulate dialogue between Chamber, politicians and the wider business community and public.

‘It will be an opportunity for you to direct us and also for businesses to showcase themselves and interact.’

The president said it had been a busy year for Chamber, active in many areas of business.

‘One consistent angle I try to take is to be constructive and I very much hope the perception we put out is not of having a moan,’ he said.

‘I have tried to make sure we are not frightened to be heard. I always desire to be constructive, so when I am critical, I try to give good ideas.’

Honorary treasurer Graham Rabey reported that finances were in good shape.

A significant income stream last year came from the increasing uptake of Chamber’s business-certification service, which offers a standard of authentication for companies doing off-island business.

Orchard PR director Steve Falla was praised for his efforts in arranging the monthly club lectures.

Mr Trenchard said: ‘Steve really ensures we get the right speakers at the right time.’

The meeting marked the departure of office manager Jan Vaudin, who has worked for Chamber for 14 years.

Mr Trenchard paid tribute to her contribution.

The AGM was also Young Business Group president Ned Meinke’s last official engagement before standing down after his two-year term.

Simon Keys, of First Principles Design, was appointed as his successor.

Mr Trenchard thanked Mr Meinke for his contribution.

‘You have done so much for the group in your own way.’

Mr Meinke, 27, is the managing director of ILS Products.

He said he had gained much and enjoyed the experience.

In his final report, he discussed the YBG’s range of events and initiatives throughout the year, including the business trends survey, lecture series and Town Christmas lights switch-on.

Mr Trenchard and many of his predecessors are past presidents of the YBG.

‘I advise you to look to them, as they are the future.’

The president looked towards next year’s bicentenary with pride.

‘Business on the island has clearly developed so much over the last 200 years but I still believe that Guernsey is one of the best places to live.’