The new chair of a town business organisation says he plans to build on its successes since its launch six years ago.

Newmarket and District Chamber of Commerce elected Matthew Darroch-Thompson to the role on Thursday at its annual general meeting.

He takes over from Graham Abbey, managing diretor of facilities management firm Factotum Ltd.

Mr Darroch-Thompson, of business consultancy and publishing firm Mole Projects, has pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessor by keeping the chamber at the heart of the economic wellbeing of the local community.

“A strong chamber of commerce means a strong business community,” he said.

“Thanks to Graham’s wise and far-sighted leadership, in the six years since we were formed we have grown from a business organisation affiliated to the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to one that is now fully part of it, with all the benefits that brings to our members.

“Being part of the chamber offers not only great networking opportunities and tangible member benefits which save money, but gives us all a greater voice in ensuring that the needs of wealth creators are taken seriously by others. I am confident that we will continue to build on our successes of the last six years.”

Mr Abbey said he had enjoyed his time as chairman.

“I’m delighted that the NDCC has grown in size and scale in such a short period of time,” he said.

“I have no doubt that Matthew and the executive board will ensure that we will have a key role to play in many of the major local issues affecting our economic vitality, including the Newmarket Business Improvement District and the transformation of the USAFE Mildenhall site.”