THE head of the North-East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) is predicting further growth next year.

Chief executive James Ramsbotham has made a New Year's resolution to members that the range and depth of the organisation's services will continue to improve.

NECC provides a range of services and representation to its 4,400 members, who collectively employ a third of the total North-East workforce.

Mr Ramsbotham, who has been in his post for six months, said the NECC was in a "privileged position".

He said: "We already provide a tremendous service, but we refuse to be complacent. My vision for the future is to create an organisation so strong and vibrant that businesses find it impossible not to be a member.

"During the course of 2007, businesses will see NECC furthering its award-winning campaigning, continuing first-class services such as international trade documentation, and building on our impressive range of products and services.

"All of this will underpin one of the largest networking calendars in the region, which brings thousands of businesses face-to-face with the opportunity to make new contacts and win more business."