THE Black Country Chamber of Commerce has chosen a new president to steer the group forward.

Ninder Johal, who has served as vice-president of the group for the last year, succeeds Paul Bennett who stepped down on March 31.

Sandwell born and raised Mr Johal will be responsible for representing Black Country businesses.

He said: “I am looking to build upon the excellent work undertaken by my predecessor Paul Bennett. The need for all in the Black Country to work together for a common purpose, to reduce the productivity gap, to increase the skills base and to pursue an overriding strategy of wealth creation is paramount.

“To do this the need for collaboration is key as is the need to inculcate a vision of innovation and the need to be ambitious. Finally, I will champion the role of business at all levels to ensure that its role is rightly recognized in its contribution to society.”

The well-known businessman - managing director of Nachural Records and Nachural Corporate Communications – previously served as president of Sandwell Chamber for almost two years.

He is also chairman of the Black Country Asian Business Association (BCABA) and is a Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) board member.

Outgoing president Mr Bennett said: “I have every confidence that Ninder will be a fine president and will further this work and I wish him and the chamber every success in those endeavours.”