MANAGING director of The Training Experts Chris Barnard has been appointed as the new chair of the Ipswich & Suffolk Small Business Association (ISSBA).

He was handed the reins at the association’s annual general meeting, held at the IP-City Centre in Ipswich, and takes over from Kim Brown of Boleyn Events, who has been chair for the past two years.

He takes on the role at a time when membership is holding up well, with more than 350 members.

The association’s events continue to go from strength to strength, with the most recent Suffolk Business Exhibition, held at the end of April in conjunction with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, attracting record numbers of visitors and stand holders.

Mr Barnard said: “ISSBA has a continuing appeal to small businesses right across the county and beyond. With our mix of business and social events, we aim to provide something of interest to all our members.

In 2011 we celebrate our 25th anniversary, and will be looking to celebrate in style, so this is an important and exciting year for us all.

“ISSBA seeks to support smaller and newer businesses with networking, social and business events. That membership figures are holding up even through these tough economic conditions is a good indication that we are getting it right.”