BUSINESS body Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a new president who is making history with her appointment.

Lizzy Todd has taken over at the end of predecessor Mark Spragg's two year term.

Lizzy, who is the managing director of local digital marketing agency Tweetiepie Media, becomes the youngest female president in the history of the chamber, which was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1813.

She is the 131st president and takes over following a selection process by the ICC board.

With a wealth of experience working with businesses and organisations across different industries, Lizzy recently celebrated her tenth anniversary with her own company.

ICC officials say she brings outstanding local knowledge, business experience and a wide network to the role.

Before a year in the industry and subsequently founding Tweetiepie, Lizzy completed a degree in business and law at the University of Edinburgh and joined as a member in 2013.

In 2019, Lizzy became a board member of ICC and she says she is keen to continue and make progress with the wide-ranging work of the Chamber.

Lizzy said: “I am looking forward to building on the foundations already in place thanks to the incredibly talented board and team, and I am excited to work with them, plan and deliver over the next two years.

“I would like to thank Mark Spragg for the great work he, membership executive Shari Workman and the board have carried out over the last two years and look forward to Mark continuing to support us as past president.

“Exiting from Covid-19 has brought many challenges for individuals and businesses, some of which many are continuing to feel and, unfortunately, looks set to continue for some time.

“Over the last year, we have seen one of Inverclyde’s biggest employers leave the area and with that, a significant reduction in employment for the area.

“Looking to the future, I am keen to continue to help our current membership, re-establish connections with businesses that have lapsed in recent years, and forge new relationships outwith Inverclyde for the benefit of the ICC membership.”

After being presented to the membership at the chamber's recent AGM, Lizzy paid tribute to her predecessor, as well as fellow board members Alistair Rodgers and Gavin McDonagh who have also stepped down after many years of combined service to Inverclyde’s leading business membership.

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The AGM also welcomed new board Members in the shape of Louise Mahon from Scottish law firm MacRoberts LLP, Derek MacFeate from executive recruitment firm MM Search and David O’Hagan from West College Scotland, who continue with their long-term support of ICC.

Lizzy added: “It is fantastic to welcome new Board members in the shape of Louise, Derek and David and they are already contributing a huge amount to the Membership.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to Alistair and Gavin for their many years of commitment and support to the chamber and especially Gavin, who invited me to join the board in 2019.

“Inverclyde Chamber continues to go from strength to strength, with growing membership numbers, fresh events, and further growth of the ICON Business Awards in 2023.

“Our membership executive Shari Workman is always available to support our existing members but also meet with new businesses keen on growing their network.

“I’d encourage businesses to look out for our events on the website, sign up to receive our newsletter, and get in touch with the team for further information on how your business could benefit from being a member.”