I WAS pleased to be able to catch up with Salisbury Chamber of Commerce’s energetic chairman Andy Rhind-Tutt to hear about the latest chapter in the chamber’s successful return to the heart of Salisbury business life.

With the highest number of members in seven years, a board of active and committed members and a strong network of connections across the city and beyond, Andy feels that the time has come for the Chamber to have a formal voice in the many ongoing strategic projects in the city.

He brought me up to speed with his ambitious plans to form a group to discuss and form a united view on Salisbury’s future – encompassing education, employment and skills, health and wellbeing, tourism and infrastructure.

The Salisbury Strategic Regeneration Partnership in some respects mirrors the core concerns of my own South Wiltshire Economic Forum and it is very pleasing to see more and more influencers in Salisbury taking a proactive interest in shaping the future of our community.

Andy and I don’t always align on the best way forward when it comes to major infrastructure projects but what we do wholeheartedly agree on is the need to do all we can to make Salisbury a cleaner city and a better place to do business.

On Friday, as well as my weekly advice surgery, I am following up on some of the issues raised in my recent conversation with forest constituents at the New Forest Show with a visit to the fringes of the national park to discuss the unique environment and conservation opportunities in that part of the constituency.

I am also looking forward to my annual visit to the Mencap Sports Day, Greg’s Games, and keeping my fingers crossed for good weather for the competitors and organisers.

It is always such a well-run and happy event, with everyone taking part in the best of spirit.