A top Marlow businessman has issued a rallying call for all business in Marlow to join forces to benefit themselves and the town.

Architect Jonathan Heighway took on the role of vice president at Marlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce at the group’s AGM last month.

The Chamber organises a number of events to boost trade and visitors to the town, as well as supporting one another, networking and lobbying local government.

With more than 100 members already, the founder of Heighway Associates believes if all firms joined up the impact can be greater.

He said: “In my mind there is no reason why every business whether office, retail or trade should not be a member, we need to be clear about our message.

“I would also like to see members using the marketing opportunities The Chamber website offers, even if it is just ensuring that their directory entry is complete.”

The group’s website contains a business directory for products and services available across the Marlow area.

The aim is to produce comprehensive coverage of available services to be used by residents, visitors and business people themselves, with Marlow a hotbed of start-up commerce.

Business interest group, Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF), said that 175 new businesses registered with Companies House in the postcode area SL7 in 2013.

This gave a rate of 122 new businesses for every 10,000 residents in the area - double the rate for the district overall, which itself has the 78th highest rating of 326 English local authorities, according to BBF.

Among the Chamber’s responsibilities is the town’s annual Late Night Shopping event, which takes place this Thursday evening.

The High Street will be closed to traffic from 3pm, with the festivities kicking off at 6pm with an official opening by a lifesize Darth Vader and his Stormtrooper guards.

New Chamber president Martin Spittle has urged members that “to share is to care” as he looks to encourage a network of knowledge among the thriving business community in Marlow.