ONE of Inverclyde's leading entrepreneurs has resigned from the chamber of commerce board citing concerns about its 'integrity'.

Award-winning businessman Puneet Gupta, who runs PG Paper with his wife Poonam, stood down at Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce's annual general meeting.

His departure comes as the business forum looks to replace outgoing senior executive officer Rachel Burns and announces reviews into procedures and roles within the organisation.

Mr Gupta, who runs his global export firm from the historic Custom House, said: “I have been involved in some capacity with Inverclyde Chamber for a number of years and recently resigned primarily to allow me to focus my efforts on my core businesses.

"I did have some concerns around the integrity, actions and transparency of some recent decisions and practices of the current board that did not sit comfortably with me, and therefore took the decision to resign.

"I do understand that steps are being taken to address some of these issues, which I welcome."

Earlier this year the businessman warned that his company was facing difficult times and was 'in survival mode' after turnover dropped dramatically due to the pandemic.

He insists he will remain supportive of the chamber and continue on the national business advisory group.

The ICC recently announced a decision by senior executive officer Rachel Burns to leave her post.

She only joined the organisation a year ago from Riverside Inverclyde and was praised by Mr Gupta for her support in recent months.

Puneet said: “Rachel has played a pivotal role within the Chamber, most recently in providing timely and pertinent business advice and support to its membership in these unprecedented times.

"I wish Rachel every success in her future endeavours”.

The Guptas have both played an influential role locally in the business community, sitting on forums, mentoring and supporting charities.

Poonam Gupta was recognised with an OBE in the 2017 Honours List.

Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce president Gavin McDonagh confirmed that Mr Gupta’s resignation had been accepted.

He said: "We thank him for his contribution as a valued board member, and with PG Paper remaining within our membership, we look forward to continuing to support them and the wider Inverclyde business community at this difficult time as the economy attempts to stabilise following Covid-19.

“The board of directors noted Mr Gupta’s feedback, and as part of our continuous review, a sub-group is currently working to reappraise and modernise our procedures, ensuring that we comply with the highest standards of governance.

"This is being delivered with the support of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, with any amendments or improvements to be presented to our membership to approve."

The business group is also 'reviewing the senior executive office role' following Ms Burns' decision to leave.

President Mr McDonagh, who runs leisure firm Holts at the Kip Marina, added: "Rachel was an exceptional representative of the Chamber who is leaving to seek a new challenge on a mutually amicable and personal basis."

Robert MacDonald, vice president of ICC, added: “We are sorry to see Rachel leave and on behalf of the board and our members, we would like to thank her for all of her commitment, dedication and tenacity.

"Rachel will be a hard act to follow, but has done a fantastic job in making the administrative, financial and membership side of things much clearer for the board and has taken giant strides in helping to galvanise our relationship with the wider Chamber network."

Meanwhile in line with the constitution of the Chamber a new president will be put in place next month.