The first Bournemouth Echo column for me as the new president of Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry comes on the back of an afternoon with Prime Minister David Cameron and his visit to Magna Academy in Poole.

This certainly was a very interesting and high profile first official engagement for me and all credit to Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry for their involvement. It was also nice to hear the Prime Minister congratulate Magna Academy on its performance, culture and leadership.

The Prime Minister’s key message was about the Charter for Budget Responsibility and said it’s vital to stick to the plan.

He stressed that the focus was on eliminating the total budget deficit by 2018/19 and ensuring there’s a surplus by the next election so we are prepared for a “rainy day”.

The PM also announced a scheme to make 100,000 homes available to first time buyers at a 20 per cent discount. This will follow changes to the planning system allowing the government to free up “brownfield” sites from planning costs, allowing homes to be built there more cheaply.

In my role as commercial director at AFC Bournemouth, we embark on our Capital One Cup Quarter Final against Liverpool tomorrow night. I hope that in my next Echo article I can talk about AFC Bournemouth’s giant killing and us being in the Semi-Final. Plus, of course, us still being top of the Championship!

I am very honoured to be taking on this role of President of DCCI and am looking forward to speaking and working with businesses and organisations across our region.

Finally, a very Merry Christmas to you all.