COLIN Knight, financial controller at East Anglian law firm Ashton KCJ, has been elected chairman of Bury St Edmunds Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Knight takes over the role from Andrew Denny, who becomes the chamber’s honorary president, with Matthew Moss of chartered accountants Ensors being elected vice-chairman.

“I am delighted and proud to take on the role of chairman of the Bury St Edmunds Chamber of Commerce and I am looking forward to the challenges that may arise over the next couple of years,” said Mr Knight.

And he thanked Mr Denny for his work in leading the Chamber over the last two years, saying he was “a hard act to follow”.

Mr Knight, who was born and grew up in London, went to the London School of Economics and then joined Deloittes, completing his training articles to qualify as a chartered accountant.

He has worked in East Anglia for more than 30 years and has gained business experience in a variety of sectors, including chemicals and engineering, retail, financial services, business travel agents and now in the legal profession.

Mr Moss is a board member at enterprise agency Menta and leads the junior chamber. Mr Knight said: “I am delighted that Matthew has agreed to take on the role of vice-chairman.

“I am confident that with the help of the executive committee, who, like myself, are all volunteers, we can contribute to Bury’s growth. I would encourage all local businesses to join the chamber and help secure its future so that in turn we can help support your own businesses”.

Rick Wildridge steps down as president having played a leading role in the chamber for the past seven years but will remain a director of the chamber and board member of the industrial group.

Three new members joined the board: Graham Duckworth, director of communications technology company Greenduck, Jacqui Carrel, partner at marketing firm Cinnamon Edge, and Carole Baker, director of The Self Centre, health and wellbeing organisation.

The AGM was sponsored by Greene King, Happy Endings and Denny Bros.