A BIG push to attract more businesses to Haslemere is pledged by the new Chamber of Commerce president Craig McGowan.

Thanking his predecessor David Goddin, who stepped down at the AGM after two years at the helm, Mr McGowan (pictured) said: “The best way we can help businesses in Haslemere is by trying to attract more people and businesses to come here.

“We will also be making sure we are not having one hand tied behind our backs due to national and local government policies, by making sure the views of the business community are well and truly heard.

“Although you may feel the chamber is not directly relevant to you, what is relevant to us all, directly and indirectly, is a thriving business community in Haslemere both retail and non-retail.

“Without either, the town dies and becomes a less attractive place for people to come to live and work and that would have a detrimental effect on all our businesses in the end.

“Waverley can sometimes have a rather parochial view of the chamber and Haslemere in general though that has been improving over the last few years.

The more members we have the more powerful our voice can be in helping to shape policy – planning, development, and services.

“We will be focusing on increasing our strength so we are better able to represent Haslemere commerce.”