The new chairman of the Rugby branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce has told firms in the area that his ‘door is always open’.
Jim Griffin, the managing director of Automotive Insulations, has just taken over from Simon Leech, of Perry Appletons, as chair of the branch.
Griffin paid tribute to Leech, who had chaired the branch for seven years, and said he would build on the work of his predecessor.
He said: “Before I start my time as chair, I must congratulate and thank Simon for all of his efforts in the role – he is a big act to follow.
“I’m not sure he realised when he took on the job in 2006 that he would still be chair come 2013 but he is very passionate about Rugby, business and the role of the Chamber.
“I am a very different personality to Simon, but I share those passions and want to ensure this branch gets even stronger and continues to be the voice of business in Rugby and the wider borough.
“But I can only put forward the issues businesses are facing here if they come and tell me what they are. I can then feed them into colleagues at the Chamber as well as the other relevant authorities and organisations.
“That’s why my door will always be open to businesses who want to let me know any difficulties they are facing. I run my own company and, therefore, know the issues we see but they are very different to those affecting other businesses.
“So my advice to my fellow Rugby companies is not to sit on the sidelines, complaining about issues to your friends or family, come and get involved with the Chamber and make a real difference to your business and to other companies here.”
Automotive Insulations, which manufactures and supplies products that make vehicles quieter, is based on the Somers Road Industrial Estate but is set to move to state-of-the-art new premises next year as part of major expansion plans.