Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of a new president.

Mandy Boughton, managing director of Ancasta Yacht Services, has been chosen to succeed Peter Taylor, who held the position for three years.

The announcement was made during the chamber's annual general meeting at the Lainston House Hotel in Winchester.

Mandy, with over 30 years of experience in the leisure marine sector, has been a board director at Hampshire Chamber for the past two years.

Ancasta Yacht Services is part of Ancasta Group, the largest boat and yacht sales brokerage in Europe.

The Southampton-based businesswoman brings a wealth of managerial expertise to the role, encompassing business development, operations, sales, and customer service.

Mandy said her priorities as president are to ensure "members and prospective members across our fantastic region continue to view the Chamber as the go-to destination for essential advice and support.

"I’m keen to see more members, especially SMEs, seize the opportunities afforded by economic growth and prosperity."

Ross McNally, chief executive and executive chairman, said: "Both Mandy and Peter are outstanding individuals with highly successful careers who have shown steadfast support for the Chamber and the wider business community.

"We pay a heartfelt tribute to Peter for being a truly inspirational President for the past three years and working so hard on our behalf.

"At the same time, we welcome Mandy to the role, an ideal opportunity for her to champion the Chamber’s engagement with outside organisations, hold fellow directors to account and provide corporate governance."

Peter Taylor, who is the senior partner at law firm Paris Smith LLP, will continue to serve on the chamber board for an additional year.

The AGM also saw the appointment of two new non-executive directors, Alpa Shingadia of Rizing Star and Zulfiya Truscott of BizSpace.

The meeting also reviewed the chamber’s progress over the year, highlighting a twelve per cent increase in international trade income, a thirty-five per cent rise in events and training income, and significant engagement with businesses and young people through the Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan.