Kamal Aggarwal, a partner at Kent legal firm Thomson, Snell & Passmore stepped into Bob’s shoes as chairman. He previously held the office of chamber company secretary.

Referring to the area’s regeneration plans and the numerous agencies which seem to crowd on one another communicating in unintelligible jargon, Mr Aggarwal said: “The more one listens to the numerous experts out there the more confusing the picture becomes. We need to get the regeneration projects up and running again. The importance of getting and keeping the basics right is more important than ever. Hardly rocket science, but therein lies the reality.

“Managing cash, stopping the leaks, working closely with your professional and financial advisors, consolidating client and customer relationships and working to win new business are all simple, but key areas and ones where the chamber is here to help.”

Another new face was the election of Sittingbourne-based manufacturer Paul Winter as chamber president. Mr Winter follows the steps of the late Alan Cherry and has been a member for 30 years.

He said: ”We have all been through very challenging times but I am confident that we are entering a period when the chamber will be able to increase, still further, the level of its contribution to the stimulation of the economic activity of it's members and the wider business community.”

Sittingbourne accountancy firm partner Spain Bros Elizabeth Jordan was re-elected vice chairman and also takes on the company secretary role.