IT'S ALL change at the top for the Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The organisation, which has 1,000 members employing 100,000 people across the region, held its AGM last night at its headquarters in Bugle Street, Southampton.

Stewart Dunn, the managing director of Newsquest (Hampshire), which publishes the Southern Daily Echo, took over the reins of presidency from Barry Watson, who works for wealth manager Buchanans plc.

David Tipple, a partner at Segensworth-based business advisors Grant Thornton, became vice president, taking over from Clifford O'Dell.

In a separate development, director general Ken Bryan stands down at the end of this month. That figurehead position will be filled jointly by the chamber's David McAuley, Denise Barlow and Catherine Wright.

Mr Dunn said: "I'm looking foward to taking over the role, and would publicly like to thank Barry Watson and Ken Bryan for their hard work over the past two years.

"The chamber now represents increasing numbers of businesses in Southampton and is currently building and strengthening strategic partnerships throughout the region."

All the leading figures from the chamber took part in its summer ball last Friday night. The black-tie event, at the Rose Bowl at West End, near Southampton, featured a three-course meal, a comedian and live music.

More than £560 was also raised from a raffle. The money is earmarked for the chamber's nominated local charity, Wessex Heartbeat.

A selection of pictures from the summer ball will be featured in August's complimentary issue of Hampshire Business South Magazine, available from July 29.

To order a copy, e-mail our subscriptions administrator - peter.bullwinkle@soton-echo.co.uk