A BUSINESS leader from Inverclyde has been named in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

Dr Liz Cameron, director and chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, has been granted a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to Scotland and UK international trade.

The Gourock woman was recognised previously in 2013 with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to business and commerce.

The mum-of-two, received the latest Royal accolade in recognition of her contribution to the promotion of Scottish and UK businesses on the world stage.

Liz has spearheaded new partnerships with the Scottish Government and over the last three years alone she has helped create over 300 new jobs.

Dr Cameron, who is the Scottish Business Representative on the UK Government's strategic trade advisory group, says she is 'over the moon' to receive the accolade.

She told the Tele: "When I was given an OBE I was shocked, so when I found out about the CBE I was totally over the moon.

"It's overwhelming.

"I am deeply honoured and humbled.

"You never think someone like you would ever be given such a tremendous accolade."

Liz, who lives with husband Sam in Gourock, has led a major expansion of trade relationships across the world which has included the signing of 40 country-to-country market agreements.

She also helped establish new Scottish Trade Offices, with the first opened in Yantai in China in 2017, making it more accessible for Scottish and British companies to export to new markets.

Liz, mum to Rebecca and Lloyd, has also participated in a wide range of influential groups including the Enterprise and Skills Strategic Board who are responsible for delivering economic growth in Scotland.

On a local level, Dr Cameron, who is the Inverclyde Leisure board director and trustee, hopes to see many smaller local businesses become engaged with the Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce.

She added: "I would love to see more smaller businesses from Inverclyde come forward and work with the chamber to look at opportunities outwith the UK.

"To rebuild and re-energise Inverclyde it requires engagement from our council and key local business leaders to get on board and create an investment environment.

"Active partnerships locally to work with young people will allow us to upskill and create opportunities based on the talent we already have.

"I will continue to champion Scottish and British businesses to the world and will always be proud to tell people from across the globe I am from a small place called Inverclyde."