Kenneth McDonach has stepped up after a year as vice-chairman to become chairman of The 1700 Club, the first business networking breakfast club to be set up by the Chamber of Commerce in Lanarkshire.

He succeeds David Edwards, managing director of DE Product Labels which expanded during the summer when they moved from Netherton Industrial Estate into luxury new premises at Eurocentral.

Kenneth McDonach who heads up McDonach IT Consultancy and Support Services said: “During my year as 1700 Club chairman, I’m looking to form a closer relationship with Lanarkshire Chamber of Commerce in its new and revitalised form.

”Many small business area finding it difficult in the current financial climate and we believe this is where networking can make a difference.

“Over the past few years we at the 1700 Club have continued to generate significant amounts of new business among our members.

“We believe we offer business people in Lanarkshire an opportunity to meet like-minded people who are serious about growing their business.

“We would like to extend an invitation to those businesses looking to form new relationships and generate new business to join us at one of our fortnightly meetings and see how we do it.” He added: “Personally, I believe business is about building relationships and being committed and enthusiastic about the products and services we offer.”

The new vice-chairman is Iain McGhee, of Iain James Residential Property based in Eurocentral: secretary is Mary Coia of James G Hughes Opticians who have showrooms in Coatbridge and Newarthill, with Ian Watson of Motherwell-based Watson & Co CA as treasurer.

The 1700 Club which meets fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. in The Bentley Hotel, High Road, Motherwell, can be contacted via the club website at www.the1700club.org.uk.