Rita Kohli has been sworn in as the new president of the Romsey & District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, taking the helm at the chamber’s annual general meeting held at Ampfield Golf Club on Sunday, May 11. Kohli, who runs The Wealth Stop—a trading name of The Mortgage Stop in Romsey—steps into the role vacated by former president Sarjit Nagra, head of conveyancing at Footner Ewing.
Key Points
- ✅ Rita Kohli named president at Romsey & District Chamber of Commerce AGM
- ⚡ Kohli takes over from Sarjit Nagra, who led the chamber previously
- 💡 The newly refurbished presidential chain features names of past leaders
The chamber’s leadership transition comes as Kohli prepares to wear the refurbished presidential chain—a symbol of continuity etched with the names of every past president. Thomas Valois of Viscreo IT Services has been elected vice president, tasked with supporting Kohli in strengthening and expanding the chamber’s influence across Hampshire.
Attendance at the AGM reflected the chamber’s deep community roots. Romsey Town Council representatives, local councillors, and former chamber presidents—including Peter McVean—were present. Long-serving board member Philip Liddell, former secretaries, and vice presidents also attended, underscoring the institution’s enduring ties to Romsey’s business and civic life.
💡 Pro Tip
For aspiring chamber leaders, engage early with former presidents—their institutional memory is invaluable when stewarding growth and tradition.
The event also marked the presence of newly appointed Mayor Cllr Colin Burgess, whose attendance highlighted the chamber’s role as a bridge between local businesses and municipal governance. The AGM served not only as a leadership handover but as a reaffirmation of the chamber’s commitment to fostering economic vitality in Romsey and the surrounding district.
| Leadership Role | Name | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| President | Rita Kohli | The Wealth Stop |
| Vice President | Thomas Valois | Viscreo IT Services |
| Former President | Sarjit Nagra | Footner Ewing |
Kohli’s election arrives amid broader recognition of Romsey’s business community. Earlier this year, a Hampshire-based deodorant company was awarded the King’s Award for Sustainable Development, while RJM International received the King’s Award for Enterprise in international trade. These accolades underscore a growing reputation for innovation and sustainability among local enterprises.
📋 By The Numbers
- 2 — King’s Awards received by Hampshire businesses this year
- 19 — Names engraved on the presidential chain
As Kohli assumes leadership, the chamber plans to focus on networking initiatives, business growth workshops, and continued engagement with rural enterprises, aiming to position Romsey as a hub for sustainable commerce and community-driven development.