TWO businesswomen have taken over the running of Chipping Sodbury’s Chamber of Commerce.

Kate Richardson and Rebekah Richardson, who both work at performance consultancy Your Impact Ltd, have been elected as co-chairmen of the organisation.

Their appointments follow the shock resignation of hotelier Mark Lloyd, who quit the role amid a row with Sodbury Town Council over the future of the town’s farmers’ market.

The women, whose business is based on Brook Street in the town, said they want to work together to enhance the business community in Chipping Sodbury and create a network for mutual business to grow.

Rebekah said they believe by bringing the strength of all members and traders together they can help business in Chipping Sodbury to flourish.

“We are highly honoured to take up this position and will be building on Mark Lloyd’s outstanding achievements,” she said.

“One of our goals is to promote goodwill, friendship and unity amongst the members and other traders within Chipping Sodbury and provide the businesses in the area with a common voice.”