Previously managing director of ClickNetherfield Ltd, a museum showcase manufacturer which exports to over 40 countries worldwide, he succeeds incumbent chair Billy MacLeod, senior manager at Allied Irish Bank UK, following his additional appointment as vice-president at the Chartered Banker Institute.

Mr MacLeod will step down from the board of directors at the chamber AGM to be held on 17 September.

“I am delighted to have been appointed as the new chair of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce,” said Mr Stewart. “My priority will be to get to know our members and understand their challenges and concerns, so I can help the board and chamber team support them.

“Having grown a small business to one trading both nationally and internationally, I am aware of the challenges businesses of all sizes face and hope to use my experience to help our local businesses thrive.

“It is an honour to serve as chair of the chamber of commerce. Taking up this position is a great opportunity to really help our businesses fulfil their potential and grow, and make West Lothian a thriving place to live and work.”

Alongside his business partner, Mr Stewart helped grow ClickNetherfield from a small local manufacturer into an internationally-recognised business with offices and distributors in Asia, Australasia, the Middle East and North America.

Since exiting ClickNetherfield in 2018, he’s held a number of voluntary positions and is currently chair of Levenseat Trust Ltd. and trustee of West Lothian Table Tennis Club, a registered charity.

Paul Hunter, chief executive of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming Jim as the chair of our board of directors.

“Jim has great experience across multiple disciplines and is a strong representative of the manufacturing sector, which is one of the primary industries in West Lothian. I’m confident the experience he brings will guide and support the strategic direction of the chamber and, more importantly, support our members and wider business community to grow and prosper.

“I’d also like to thank Billy for his years of dedicated service to the chamber and wish him well in his new role at the Chartered Banker Institute.”