THE voice of business in the South East has a new face with the promotion of Malcolm Hyde to the CBI’s regional director.

Mr Hyde, who has considerable experience in commercial and residential property and manufacturing industries, joined the employers’ organisation in 1997.

Mr Hyde takes over from Nigel Bourne, who has been appointed as Regional Director for London. He will be based at the Sevenoaks office.

Mr Hyde said: "It’s a privilege to represent the businesses in our region which form the UK’s economic powerhouse.

"These businesses operate in an environment which continues to pose a raft of challenges, whether from global competition, damaging regulation or an increasingly inflexible labour market.

"What we must ensure is that those organisations which have a direct influence on government policy and its implementation, recognise the importance of investing in infrastructure, skills and training and the provision of housing and understand how this has a direct impact on how our region’s business community performs."

Until his promotion, Mr Hyde was assistant regional director and he will continue to support the CBI’s members through the lobbying of government on policy issues affecting business in the South East, as well as promoting competitiveness, best practice, access to information and a comprehensive events programme.

Mr Hyde, aged 50, is married with two children and lives near Horsham in West Sussex.