“STRONG, healthy and growing businesses” play a vital role in our society – but they must trade “morally and ethically even in the pursuit of profit”, according to the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

The Rt Rev Peter Hancock gave his view at the annual general meeting of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, attended by 50 business people at the Holiday Inn, Taunton, last week.

The event also marked the final official engagement of chief executive Rupert Cox, who leaves at Christmas – chairman Graham Knight will act as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is appointed.

A Business Plan for Somerset was unveiled at the meeting, highlighting the key requirements needed to enable the county to realise its full economic potential – read it by clicking on the Somerset Chamber link on this story.

Covering topics such as skills development, business infrastructure, international trade, business rates and more, the plan was developed alongside the recent British Chambers of Commerce Manifesto.

Mr Knight outlined the chamber’s strong performance against its three-year objectives in terms of membership growth, project management and financial stability.

Helen Lacey and Charles Olney were appointed to the board following the departure of Sandra Wilson and Adrian Poole, who have completed their full term.

The president, Michael Eavis, presented long service certificates to five members whose companies had achieved 10 years of continuous chamber membership.

Mr Knight added: “This has certainly been a year of change and growth for the chamber.

“Although we bid farewell to Rupert Cox at the end of this year, the Somerset Chamber is in its strongest position yet and is now the fastest growing chamber in the British Chambers of Commerce network.

“We have a team of 12 in the office, with another 12 on the board, we’ve made excellent progress towards achieving the objectives laid out in the chamber’s business plan, and we have a strong balance sheet.”

He said May’s General Election and progress of the Hinkley Point C project will present some unique opportunities for Somerset businesses in the coming year.