An Aberfeldy businessman is to push the benefits of exporting in his new role as president of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.
Mike McDiarmid, who has served as a director of the Chamber for the past four years, has taken over the reins at the business membership organisation from well-known hotelier Stephen Leckie of Crieff Hydro.
The 47-year-old’s family has farmed in Highland Perthshire for generations and he has helped drive forward a number of diversification projects including the House of Menzies coffee shop and gallery and the Castle Menzies self-catering holiday cottage site.
Mr McDiarmid also has experience of the export market through two of his agricultural ventures, and hopes his experience can help others boost their overseas interests.
“I am lucky enough to have recently become a director of Caithness Potatoes in Perth, which is a market leader in breeding and exporting, supplying direct into many foreign markets,” the married father-of-three said.
“Through our Mak Farmers company we also see our fertilised hatching eggs sold all around the world.
“So I am acutely aware of the potential for all sorts of products to find new markets overseas, and this is something I would like to progress during my term in office.”
Mr McDiarmid said he would use his new role to promote the agriculture and tourism industries, but stressed that he would be an equally forceful mouthpiece for all businesses operating in the region.
“The Chamber supports all and every type of business that wants to establish itself or expand and evolve within Perthshire,” he said.
“As president, I will do all I can to champion our membership wherever and whenever possible.”
The new incumbent, who regards his elevation to the top job as a “huge thing”, also wants to promote increased engagement from the business community in the region with the Chamber.
“I enjoy the enthusiasm, spark and support that exists within Perthshire Chamber of Commerce,” he said.
“I have always been struck by how supportive and encouraging members are of each other, and how everyone works hard to create a vibrant business profile for the area, encouraging more inward investment and expansion.
“I enjoy meeting other business people and sharing experiences, concerns and solutions.
“As president I would like to see directors become even more involved with the wider membership and perhaps encourage members to attend and address board meetings or invite businesses to open their doors to board meetings around the district.”