HAMPSHIRE Chamber of Commerce has strengthened its marketing and business development reach with two strategic appointments.

Marketing executive Joanna Saunders is working from the chamber’s Wates House head office in Fareham while business development manager David Kemshall is based in Basingstoke.

The appointments come amid expansion plans for the business membership organisation, the county affiliate of the British Chambers of Commerce.

More than 260 new members have joined Hampshire Chamber in the past year, making it the 11th biggest chamber in the UK network.

Mr Kemshall has worked for the jewellery firm Goldsmiths, clothing retailer Primark and Sandown Mercedes Benz.

He had a previous two-year period at Hampshire Chamber’s Basingstoke office as membership manager, working to drive member recruitment and retention.

Maureen Frost, Hampshire Chamber’s chief executive, said: “Joanna and David are talented, experienced and business-savvy individuals who will help us continue to strengthen our support for member businesses. They will both play critical roles in the introduction of new services and enhancements to our membership offers."