Colin Skellett has become chair of Business West, one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in the UK.

He is the current Chief Executive Officer of the YTL UK Group that includes Brabazon New Town and the Arena complex at Filton, Wessex Water, YTL's UK hotels, GENeco and a number of retail businesses.

A scientist and engineer by training, Colin said: "Business West has a great track record of working in partnership to deliver real change to the benefit of this region.

"We are a powerful voice - if you look at the number of members and area we cover, we are one of the most powerful chambers in the country. Levelling up, climate change and regeneration are all areas where we can make a real difference.

"We also need to identify the big new opportunities such as hydrogen or low carbon technologies. Business is the engine that drives economic growth, and we have a key part to play."

Colin was awarded an OBE for services to business and WaterAid in the 2012 Queen's Birthday Honours and has honorary doctorates in engineering from the Universities of the West of England and Bristol.