The new chairman of a business networking organisation is aiming to recruit more women members.

Commercial insurance broker Simon Hammond made the pledge as he was elected chairman of the Wealden Business Group.

Meeting each week in Tenterden, it represents 34 businesses from various trades and professions.

Mr Hammond, 44, is principal of commercial insurance specialists the Hammond Consultancy, which he founded in 2002 after a career with Royal Insurance, Provincial Insurance and AXA.

He said: “With 34 members, all from different trades and professions, the group is the premier business networking organisation in the area, and has never been healthier or more vibrant.

“My goal is to continue growing the membership, recruit more women members, enhance the already impressive number of business referrals, and continue to support our social and charitable activities – we have raised almost £15,000 for local good causes in the past three years.”

Educated at Oakwood Park Grammar School, Maidstone, Mr Hammond is married with one daughter and lives at Westwell near Ashford.

His hobbies include cricket – he is vice chairman and opening bat for Hollingbourne CC – and golf.

Details at www.wealden-business-group.co.uk.