NEW Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce president Emma Roberts said she is honoured to take on the role, after being elected as the youngest female president in the chamber’s 114 years.

The 34-year-old, who lives in Westbury, was elected as the new president – one of only five women to hold the position in the chamber’s history – at the annual general meeting at Trowbridge Town Hall.

Mrs Roberts, who is also chairman of the chamber, has been involved with the group for the last eight years, including four years as vice president, and takes over the position from Colin Kay.

She is looking forward to a busy year for the chamber of commerce, which will include the Magna Carta Business Expo event in July at Trowbridge Civic Centre.

Mrs Roberts said: “I have been part of the chamber of commerce since moving to Wiltshire. It is something very important to me, especially after working in Germany, where it is a big part of business life.

“It’s a massive honour for me and I didn’t realise at first that I am the youngest female president in the chamber’s 114-year history, as well as one of only five women. It is nice that they have put their trust in me.

“It is an exciting time for Trowbridge and there are a lot of changes happening, with the reinvigoration of the town. What I want to do is work closely with other key stakeholders in town to make Trowbridge an attractive place for businesses to be.

“There is so much going on this year and to Magna Carta Business Expo is going to be huge. Trowbridge has changed so much since I first came here in 2006 and it has got a new lease of life, so we need to harness that positive feeling.”

Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce recently asked the local community and business leaders to take part in a consultation to have their say on what they are looking for from the organisation.

Mrs Roberts, a support services manager at White Horse Employment, said the consultation revealed that the chamber’s future lies with focusing not just on traditional business issues, but the overall economic health and well-being of Trowbridge.

She added: “In the next 12 months, we will continue to work closely with our partners and the community to reposition ourselves to more effectively serve the needs of Trowbridge. Watch this space.”