Change at the top for GM Chamber

Phil Cusack of Capita has stepped down as president of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, replaced by Neil Smith of Kinetic, while Steve Burne of AEW Architects has been named vice president.

Smith, managing director recruitment company Kinetic, officially took over the role from outgoing president Cusack at the chamber's AGM and assembly meeting. Burne, managing director of Manchester-based AEW, was appointed to the vice president role alongside Wayne Jones of manufacturer MAN Diesel.

Phil Cusack was formerly regional director Aecom, but left in September to join Capita's design and management division.

Smith said: "It is a great honour to become the president of the biggest, largest and most influential Chamber of Commerce in the UK.

"My company joined the Chamber 10 years ago as we wanted to get more involved. This led to me joining the Chamber's local council in Trafford and then becoming Trafford president."