The new head of the borough's business community has said he wants to unite firms to boost trade.

Mike Dell, who has just been elected as Dudley President of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, says the group aims to help out all borough businesses whatever their size.

Mike takes over from Sylvia Wellings, who stepped down last month, and aims to kick-off his role by visiting as many firms as he can.

He also hopes to sign up more businesses to the chamber and work alongside politicians.

Mike, aged 48, joins after being the managing director of Rubber Astic, a company which converts foam and rubber and makes products for the sport and leisure markets.

He said: "It can sometimes be just as hard for large companies to find suppliers as it can be for small firms to find customers.

"This is where the Chamber comes in. It's far better to make face-to-face contact at a Chamber event with quality suppliers rather than just search the internet and not know what you are getting.

"We have to make sure that the Chamber works for everybody by expanding the local membership base.

"It gets lonely running a business.

"Sometimes you need to find advice or support from people who may have had similar experiences.

"I aim to visit as many local companies as I can to hear their stories and let them know that support is available from the Chamber."