Caron Khan has become president of Dorset Chamber, succeeding Liz Lean PR managing director Liz Willingham, who was the first person to hold the presidency for two consecutive years.

Caron took the chain of office when the chamber, which was founded in 1949, held its annual meeting virtually for the first time.

Nearly 70 members attended via Zoom, including business partners, ambassadors and board members.

Caron said, “The chamber’s place in the Dorset business community is more important than ever and its reputation has never been stronger.

“There will be further challenges for businesses but there is now a glimmer of light at the end of a very dark tunnel as the Covid lockdown eases and vaccination programme rolls out.”

Caron, who runs the Caron Khan Consultancy, added, “I look forward to working alongside the Chamber team to ensure that we don’t just survive as a business community but once again thrive.

“Then, when we are all finally back together we can celebrate the amazing tenacity of Dorset’s bold and brave businesses.”

Other appointments included Tony Brown of Y-Not Finance as vice-president and Stephen Mills of Mazars as honorary treasurer.

Face to face networking will resume in July, mixed in a programme with virtual networking.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said demand for international trade services continued to grow. He also announced the launch of a new project called Student which connects students with the business community.

Mr Girling praised all involved with the chamber for helping it through ‘possibly the most challenging time’ its 72-year history.

He added, “We have come through this past year in extremely good shape financially, our standing in the business community is high and I don’t believe Dorset Chamber has ever been in better shape.”