ONE of Hampshire's top businessmen is today carrying out his first official function as the new director general of Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Captain Jimmy Chestnutt was this afternoon due to launch the organisation's events preview programme for the year in front of up to 135 networkers at the Rose Bowl, home to Hampshire Cricket.

As an independent voice of business, the chamber has strong links with nearly 2,000 firms and companies employing more than 100,000 people between them.

Mr Chestnutt, who commanded three warships in his 32-year career with the Royal Navy, is a familiar figure in the city.

The 61-year-old spent 11 years with port owner Associated British Ports, his roles including assistant port manager, deputy port manager and harbour master.

He also oversaw the controversial project for a £600m container terminal at Dibden Bay, near Southampton.

Mr Chestnutt retired from the company last October, six months after the scheme to handle 2.3 million containers a year was rejected by the government on environmental grounds.

The new director general, from Braishfield, near Romsey, has two sons with wife Alison.

They are James, 30, a Royal Navy lieutenant, and Jonathan, 28, an Army captain.

The chamber, which is funded mainly through member subscriptions and is widely regarded as an important source of networking opportunities, is said to be keen to fight harder then ever on behalf of local businesses.

Mr Chestnutt told the Daily Echo: "We want to promote members' interests and broaden the base of the chamber, turning that into action."

The chamber, which lobbies decision-makers on burning issues like planning policy, transport and administrative red tape, offers a broad range of products and services, including trade delegations, event management, seminars, credit checks, free legal advice and money-saving partnership deals.

Mr Chestnutt, who was invited to take over the reins from retired Ken Bryan, took up the prominent post after meeting the chamber board.

He is based at the chamber's head office at Bugle House, Bugle Street, Southampton.

The Fareham arm is based at Cams Hall, Cams Hill.

More than 3,000 chamber members attended the organisation's events in 2004, ranging from networking lunches to business clubs. A black-tie spring ball will take place on April 22 at the Rose Bowl.

To find out more, go to www.soton-chamber.co.uk or call 023 8022 3541.