MENSTON businessman Nick Garthwaite has been announced as president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce alongside newly elected vice president, Suzanne Watson of Ilkley-based Approach PR.

Nick, the managing director of Bradford based manufacturer Christeyns, was unanimously elected at the Chamber’s annual meeting on Tuesday. He succeeds Andy Caton, who held the post for the last two years.

Nick has been involved with the Chamber’s policy development and lobbying activities for several years and says he is looking forward to supporting local firms and helping make Bradford district an even better place in which to do business. He will now chair regular policy development meetings of the Chamber, represent the local business community at external meetings, and act as general business ambassador for the wider district.

Incoming vice-president, Suzanne Watson, MD of Approach PR, has been involved with Bradford Chamber since launching her business in 2001. A member of the Chamber’s Leadership Group since 2009, she has been working with the Producer City Board on the marketing of the District alongside her role as governor of Bradford Grammar School and trustee of the National Eczema Society.

Nick said: “I’m delighted to have been elected to head up Bradford Chamber for the next two years. Andy has been a wonderful ambassador for Bradford, so I’ve got big boots to fill; but these are both exciting and challenging times for Bradford and the wider region of West & North Yorkshire, which our organisation represents, and I’m up for the job. We’ve already carried out a scoping exercise among our key policy group to look at what we need to focus on in months and years to come; but I’m also keen on hearing from other members on what their issues are going to be in the future.”

Christeyns produces oils, soaps and detergents for the professional cleaning and laundry sector and is based on Rutland Street off Wakefield Road, in Bowling. The Belgian-owned firm bought out Bradford-based Oils & Soaps in 1998 as part of a series of mergers and acquisitions that has put the business on the international stage. It also has a presence in the USA, Brazil and the Middle East, and originated in Ghent, Belgium in 1946.

Suzanne, whose business represents clients in the Bradford district including Kirkgate Shopping, Acorn Stairlifts and ECO IPS, added: “Approach has thrived during its years in our district and much of our support and success has come through our association with Bradford Chamber so I feel not only privileged to be asked to take on such a leading role but also in a strong position, with Nick, to represent the district’s business community.”