The Institute of Directors Bermuda Branch is planning to boost its membership by raising the profile of the company.

At the moment the society, which is for directors of companies and is a branch of a London-based club with a world-wide membership of 100,000, has about 100 members on the Island.

But the activities organised by the group in Bermuda have slackened off in the past 18 months after the former chairman left his post.

Now the new chairman Geoffrey Moore, deputy chairman and chief financial officer of Colonial Group International Ltd, hopes to re-vitalise the organisation and has called for more directors and heads of companies to join.

Mr. Moore said: "The Institute of Directors fulfils an important function in the progression of the Island's business activities. Since the institute was founded in Bermuda in 1991, it has actively supported the Young Enterprise programme, which encourages leadership amongst senior high school students, and has awarded the Buddy Franklin scholarship to a Bermuda College student annually.

"Over the last 18 months, however there has not been a great deal of other activity due to the early departure from Bermuda of the previous chairman. The executive has resolved to revitalise the branch administration and we have some exciting plans for next year.'' Mr. Moore said that the group would begin its revitalisation at their annual general meeting on April 11 at 5.30 pm at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Kenneth Spurling, deputy chairman of the Bermuda branch and financial centre manager of Sun Life Financial, said: "The Institute invites anyone who is interested in learning more about the association or who is interested in becoming a member, to attend.'' At the meeting John Collis of Conyers Dill & Pearman will give a brief presentation on the duties of directors.

The organisation also plans to organise an annual dinner, educational courses for its members which are suitable for directors and guest speakers.

Directors or business persons of similar status are eligible for membership, which is also determined in terms of business experience, relevant knowledge and service as a company director.

Members are also able to use the Institute of Directors' headquarters in London. The club, which is located in the heart of London on Pall Mall and was founded in 1908, has three restaurants, morning and reading room, a business library, private workstations, secretarial services and function and meeting rooms.