The chairman of Shrewsbury’s Business Chamber has paid tribute to the town’s traders for their support and hard work in battling through the disastrous impact of the recession.

Peter Bettis, who took over the reins from former chairman Simon Airey this year, said the business community was looking forward to the future “with confidence” following a number of initiatives employed to boost trade and networking.

The business chief said the chamber’s monthly meetings had also been positive with Kim Ryley, chief executive of Shropshire Council, due to talk at the group’s next meeting at the Lord Hill Hotel on January 20.

Mr Bettis said: “As chairman of Shrewsbury Business Chamber may I thank the local business community for their support during 2009 and wish them every success in 2010.

“In 2009 the chamber’s executive committee have worked hard to promote Shrewsbury and its various commercial activities, and to achieve our objectives we have affiliated with both Shop in the Loop and Shrewsbury Tourism.

“We are looking forward to the future with confidence as ‘The Voice of Shrewsbury’ and together with our business partners aim to fulfil our aim of supporting Shrewsbury businesses, particularly during challenging economic times.”

Meanwhile Tony Bywater, chairman of caravan sales centre Salop Leisure at Emstrey in Shrewsbury, today said he was predicting a great year ahead for the leisure and tourism industry.

“Thousands of people will decide to take their holiday in the UK so we are looking forward to another year of record sales,” he said.