DAVE Cawley is the new chairman of Dartmouth Business Forum.

He says he hopes to work to encourage new businesses to the town and increase membership of the forum with more networking events involving other organisations to give businesses a greater voice.

Mr Cawley, who runs Timestep Electronics Ltd, was elected at a meeting on Tuesday night and replaces Paul Reach who has resigned due to personal reasons.

Ironically, less than 12 months ago Mr Cawley – whose outspoken style has often seen him court controversy – was barred from the forum.

His application to join was turned down by two of the three forum directors over what was believed to be a dispute over an old website.

At the time Mr Reach, who was not a director with a vote when the decision was taken, said the forum did not have to give a reason for refusing membership.

For months later, in November, Mr Reach lifted the ban and welcomed Mr Cawley back as the forum’s industry representative for hi-tech, mail order and distance selling.

Mr Cawley chaired the former Dartmouth Chamb­er of Trade 10 years ago and was also chairman of the tourist information centre for four years. He is also a former town councillor.

He said: ‘The days of 400 workers crossing the ferry to the Noss Shipyard are gone, but we need to actively encourage new businesses to relocate in Dartmouth.

‘Dartmouth isn’t the place it was then and one of my goals will be to try to get back to organisations in the town meeting together and networking.

‘At one time the tourist information centre held meetings where the town council, the chamber of trade, the naval college, river boats, accommodation providers, shopkeepers and many others all attended, talked and networked and then retired to the pub. I want to recreate those days.

‘Quality destination tourism is the lifeblood of Dartmouth but we should all be supporting and encouraging other businesses as well.

‘I hope the committee will endorse my view that we need a low-cost route to membership so that all local businesses can sign up to our ideals and be represented. This might result in 200-400 members and that will give us the biggest voice in Dartmouth.

‘We must strive to keep Dartmouth special and remember why we are living and running businesses here. Profitability and quality of life are both important and hence we all need to work together.

‘This is going to be hard work but enjoyable.’

Paul Reach will be supporting Mr Cawley during the first few months by maintaining the website and newsletter for the forum.

He said that Mr Cawley has played a big role in the development of Dartmouth as a community, including playing a leading role in the TIC in 2002, and as the councillor responsible for managing the redevelopment of the Market Square.

His experience will be invaluable in maintaining the key role the forum must play for Dartmouth’s business community, he said.

Peter Bailey has resigned from the board, which means that Mr Cawley will be appointed as a director to the board in his place.