Herefordshire and Worcestershire chamber named best in Britain

HEREFORDSHIRE and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce has been named Chamber of the Year in the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Awards 2013.

The Chamber Awards, now in the 10th anniversary year, is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business as a positive force for the UK recovery, and for local communities.

The HWCC was praised by the judging panel for its approach to membership, with its range of services including training and development and lobbying and representation resulting in sustained growth for the last three years.

In addition, the chamber delivers the Destination Worcestershire contract that assists 200 tourism members across the region.

Mike Ashton, chief executive of HWCC, said: “This is excellent news for us and has come following an accumulation of six years of hard work building a chamber of commerce which truly looks after its members in the two counties.

“I would like to thank all of the staff for their hard work, the board for their support and the members and businesses of Herefordshire and Worcestershire for both their support and drive to ensure that we provide the support they need.”

Nora Senior, President of the BCC, said the chamber stood out as a “shining light” to others. She said its comprehensive range of services and activity in the local business community was reflected in its growth of membership and the relationships it has with local organisations.

“Herefordshire and Worcestershire is a well-deserving recipient of this award, and is working to show the world why business is good for Britain,” she said.