A WELL-known Radcliffe businessman has become the new president of the country's largest chamber of commerce.

Peter Weidenbaum, of Milltown Street-based measuring equipment maker Trumeter, was elected president at the annual general meeting of Greater Manchester Chamber.

During his acceptance speech he explained that red tape, globalisation and Europe would be the top priorities for his year in office.

Mr Weidenbaum, who lives in Prestwich, said: "It is now time to build on the success already achieved and make the whole of Greater Manchester, Britain, Europe and the world sit up and listen to what we have to say.

"Top of the list is the burden of regulations that companies now have to comply with. From local authorities and national government to European directives, the manufacturing sector is being irreparably damaged."

Mr Weidenbaum also warned that the EU was in a state of flux and that now was the time to assess what the UK wanted from such a union. He added that globalisation was an issue members should also be tackling.

Mr Weidenbaum is executive chairman of the Trumeter Group of companies and for many years previously had been associated with chambers of commerce and other business support organisations in the Bury area.

He was awarded the OBE in 1994 for his services to training and industrial development. His company has bucked the trend of British manufacturers transferring production abroad by bringing back some high-tech production to its Radcliffe factory.

In his new role, he succeeds John Early, who became the first president of Greater Manchester Chamber when it was formed last year through the merger of Manchester Chamber of Commerce and North Manchester Chamber of Commerce.