Tim Parker unveiled as new president for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce

He takes over the role from retiring President Ian Greenaway, who has worn the chains of office for the past two years.

Mr Parker is legal director and company secretary at NSK Europe, which has manufactured bearings and components in the town for more than 120 years. He has pan-European responsibility for legal services, insurance, real estate and corporate governance.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, Tim started his working life with a commission in the RAF, where he served for six years both in the UK and overseas and spent 18 months as an Adjutant with the Royal Engineers. He then had various company secretary roles in financial services, PR and advertising and education before joining Center Parcs, and then NSK.

He said: “Engaging with members, making sure they get what they want - even if they don’t yet know they want it - is what the Chamber must continue to do, especially now the Heseltine Review has laid down the gauntlet and challenged Chambers of Commerce to step up to the plate to help drive business growth and support a flourishing local economy.

“DNCC is a membership organisation and must make sure that, informed by membership surveys and perception studies, it delivers relevant, high quality services and support for its members.

“I plan to do this by focusing on developing and implementing the Chamber’s three-year strategy to make sure the organisation stays focused on benefiting members.

“And I will work closely with my Board colleagues and the Chamber’s senior leadership team to ensure DNCC has the right structure and skills in place to deliver this strategy.”

Mr Parker received the chains of office at DNCC’s 2013 Annual General Meeting, which took place at Southwell Racecourse earlier today (31 October). His Vice President for the year will be Liz Fothergill, who is Chief Executive of Derby-based Pennine Healthcare Ltd.

Richard Horsley and Phil Stanyer were both re-elected to the Board unopposed.

DNCC members also voted in favour of a special resolution for DNCC’s Board to pursue a merger with Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce*.

Outgoing President Ian Greenaway said: “I would like to wish Tim the very best of luck in his role for the year ahead, not that he will need it. I am leaving the Chamber’s chains of office in very good hands indeed.

“Tim will guide the organisation to further success and we are very fortunate that the Chamber will be led by someone of his calibre and devotion.”