GREENOCK Chamber of Commerce has become Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce – after the Queen gave permission to the name change.

The historic switch was made because the organisation represents the whole of Inverclyde and not just Greenock.

It was necessary to seek Her Majesty’s approval because the chamber was established by Royal Charter in November 1813, and permission was granted at a meeting of the Privy Council in Buckingham Palace.

The new name was formally announced at the chamber’s annual meeting, where outgoing president Steven Watson was replaced by Linda Scott of Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Ltd, based at the Custom House.

Gavin McDonagh, managing director of Holt Leisure Ltd, was appointed vice-president, while Lynn Rayner, a partner with Patten & Prentice solicitors, became junior vice president.

Mrs Scott is Toshiba’s company leader for global logistics and became a board director with the chamber in 2011.

She said: “The chamber is the champion of Inverclyde businesses, providing services to improve business representation, networking, knowledge, awareness and performance. 

“It has been the influential voice of business in Inverclyde since it received its Royal Charter.

“More than 200 years on, while our name is changing to reflect the region we serve, our focus is not. 

“We will continue to provide valuable services along with a range of initiatives to businesses of all sizes.” Mrs Scott told the Tele she was ‘excited’ to take the helm of the organisation for the next two years.

She said: “The need for a strong voice to represent Inverclyde business has never been greater. Our dynamic, member-led organisation is completely independent and not for profit, with one straightforward objective – to support the local business community.”

Mr Watson, who is chief executive of Stepwell, said that, during his presidency, the chamber welcomed new members from catering to construction and insurance to shipbuilding. 

He added: “As I continue to serve on the board as immediate past president, I wish Linda well in her two years in office at this historic time.”