The new president of the Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce has pledged to use his position to ensure the area “goes digital”.
Pritesh Ganatra, plans to work more closely with the local authorities and infrastructure companies who are building the “new breed” of full fibre networks in the county to ensure that Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire are first in line for the multi-million pound investments.
The Director of BTS (UK), a technology consultancy business, took over the reigns of the thriving business organisation from Simon Toseland at the Chamber’s annual general meeting on September 15.
Outlining plans for his presidency, Pritesh said: “The next few years will present some interesting challenges for local businesses.
“Potentially the most influential will be the willingness of the new unified councils to open up planning and way leaves to allow easy access to companies such as City Fibre, Openreach and Virgin Media to lay high grade fibre optics to businesses, which has a knock-on effect of delivering affordable services to residential areas.”
The accomplished business leader has more than 25 years’ experience in providing specialist advice in commercial technology and infrastructure.
He added: “I believe that the Chamber can work more closely with both local businesses and the new unitary authority, earning respect and reliance from both. The Chamber needs to evolve with the challenges and changes facing all business.
“In today’s increasingly digital world, every business should have the very best in connectivity and my aim is to bridge the gap between the infrastructure companies and authorities to speed up the process for our members who deserve a world class service. The opportunities are there in principal – we just need to make it happen.
“New challenges will always present new opportunities and strong leadership born out of an inclusive team structures critical to laying robust foundations for the changes ahead. I amvery much looking forward to working with everyone and meeting, embracing and delivering success on the challenges ahead.”
Pritesh thanked out-going president Simon Toseland for leading the Chamber with incredible drive and enthusiasm through difficult times over the last two years.
He said: “Demonstrating incredible drive and enthusiasm, Simon steered the organisation through a difficult period, developing it into a much more effective organisation.”
Businesses located in the former boroughs of Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire are invited to join the Chamber for as little as £29 per half year and £58 per year.