BUSINESS leaders in Okehampton have welcomed a new chairman of the town?s chamber of trade. Richard Appleby has taken over the helm from Ian Bailey, who decided to step down after eight years? service. Mr Appleby, owner of Millennium Music in the Arcade, said he was very excited about the challenge. The business climate had changed a great deal in the previous decade, he said. ?We are in a much more competitive world than we were eight years ago, in terms of marketing the town and the businesses of the town. ?With all the good things we have to offer we are not doing enough to market ourselves. We are right on the edge of Dartmoor, in a beautiful location, but we have to sell ourselves to visitors.? Mr Appleby said to make the most of what Okehampton had to offer, a clear picture of the commercial life of the town was needed. One of his first jobs as chairman would be to compile a comprehensive register of all the businesses in Okehampton, from self-employed small firms to large employers. He was keen to ensure the chamber carried on producing good Christmas lights and summer hanging baskets, and to see the continued growth of the popular Edwardian Evening. Mr Appleby opened Millennium Music in the arcade six years ago. For many years he was a professional musician and entertainer. He then managed Bideford?s Pannier Market before opening his shop in Okehampton, selling CDs, records, DVDs and musical instruments. Mr Appleby said he was keen to take on the cause of making all businesses aware of what the chamber could do for them: ?Every business in town should be a member of the chamber. ?Another of my first priorities is to make up a new membership package, which will hopefully include competitive business insurance, car hire, electricity and telephone rates, and all the things businesses really need.? The chamber has been looking at the possibility of getting CCTV cameras for the town centre for several years. Mr Appleby said the chamber was actively pursuing the matter, compiling information and liaising with police to find the most appropriate and affordable system. He cited the example of traders in the arcade who had worked together to get CCTV operating in that part of town. He said car parking and traffic issues were always a sore point for businesses in the town. He supported the idea of a relief road to ease congestion. Mr Appleby paid tribute to his predecessor: ?Ian has been the visual face of the chamber of trade for eight years and in that time he has committed himself fully to the chamber.? Mr Bailey, who runs Ink Print in Station Road, is stepping down as chairman for health reasons but will continue as a committee member. Mr Appleby said he hoped he would be able to call on his predecessor?s experience and advice. He added that there was a large team of people who worked behind the scenes on the chamber committee.