TIM Allan, chief executive of Dundee-based Unicorn Property Group, has been announced as the new president of Scottish Chambers of Commerce.

Mr Allan, who is also a non-executive director of petrol station chain Motor Fuel Group, succeeds Nora Senior, who is standing down after four years as president. He will serve in the non-executive post of president of Scottish Chambers from April 2017 to March 2019.

Mr Allan, who is also a member of the Court of the University of St. Andrews said: “I have long been a proud advocate of the role chambers of commerce play in Scotland and around the world, and it is a great honour for me to take on the role of president during this critical time for the business community.”

Mr Allan added: “The core part of my role will be informed by tackling the key challenges facing the economic landscape of our country: navigating through an uncertain and ever-shifting investment environment, the need to create a flexible, skilled workforce suited to a modern economy and increasing Scotland’s exporting performance.”

Ms Senior said: “It has been a privilege to serve as president over the past four years during a time of change and turbulence for business.

“During my time as president, my business priorities focused on making it simpler for companies to do business internationally, to bring business and education together in true collaboration and raise the profile of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce as a global business network.

“I believe there has been a significant positive shift in each of these areas.”