Chris Allen has decided to step down early from being the president of the island’s Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Allen is quitting the role a few months before the end of his two year term in office.

He has cited work commitments for his decision.

The island’s largest organisation representing business es has announced Caren Pegg as the new, acting president.

She is stepping up from her role as the organisation’s vice-president.

Mr Allen is general manager of the Onchan-based business Triumph Actuation Systems, an aerospace manufacturing company.

He said: ‘My circumstances at work have changed requiring more time away from the island so I felt it appropriate to stand down.

‘I have really enjoyed my time on the board of Chamber and as president.

‘Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce has achieved so much over the last 18 months; our membership has grown, we have moved into the Eagle Lab, launched the new Business Connex service, have key representation on the new government agencies, restructured for improved governance and have delivered great value to our membership.

‘I am sorry to stand down but leave Chamber in the hands of some very capable people. Chamber is a well-run organisation with really good people and really brilliant business members and I wish them every success in the future.’

Mrs Pegg, a partner in the dispute resolution department at Appleby Isle of Man, became Chamber’s vice-president in September 2017. Immediately prior to taking up that post she was chairman of the organisation’s employment and skills committee.

As planned, she will be appointed as president at Chamber’s annual meeting this September.

Kristan McDonald has been appointed as vice-president and has stepped down from his role as chairman of Chamber’s Fuel committee.

(Fuel is an official Chamber committee with members drawn from various industries. They all share a common vision to create a bright future for the island through innovation, research and discussion.)

Mrs Pegg said: ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Chris during his presidency of Chamber. Under his leadership, Chamber has grown and taken on new challenges which have substantially enhanced and refocussed Chamber’s profile.

‘I am very pleased Kristan has agreed to take on the role of vice-president. I look forward to working with him and the rest of the Chamber team over the next couple of years to continue the work that Chamber has been doing to maintain and grow the Isle of Man’s economy and ensure that the Isle of Man business community has a voice.’