Chambers to unite

LEEDS and the York and North Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce have announced plans to join forces to create the largest chamber in the region.

The two bodies said the proposed merger would give the organisation and its members a more powerful voice, greater influence and additional commercial opportunities.

The new Chamber will speak for more than half a million employees and aims to have a positive impact on the region’s economy.

By combining Leeds’ services with those of York and North Yorkshire Chamber, the enhanced network aims to be a powerful force in providing greater opportunities for member businesses, as well as giving access to a wider range of services and events.

Leeds president and former chief executive of Leeds Co-operative Society, Alan Gill, said: “This would be an extremely positive move for our members who will benefit from the enhanced range of support services, advice and business opportunities the merged Chamber will bring.

“Members will range from those located in the heart of major cities like Leeds and York to those based in villages in the Dales and seaside towns. They all face similar challenges and share fundamental needs which would be more effectively addressed under the new arrangement.”

The new chamber will retain offices in both York and Leeds and will have one chief executive.

Len Cruddas, the current chief executive of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber plans to retire from his post, meaning that Leeds chief executive Gary Williamson will head up the newly formed Chamber.

The formal proposal will be put forward at the Leeds Chamber AGM on September 29 but Mr Gill said it had already recieved positive support.

A new name for the merged Chamber will be announed at a later date.

Mr Gill added: “This is a win win situation and will particularly benefit SME’s giving them greater access to networking events and chamber support and contacts. By joing forces we will have more clout.”

Incoming president for York and North Yorkshire, Shaun Watts, said: “The combined Chamber would be one of the most powerful voices speaking for business across the whole of Leeds, York and North Yorkshire. In the present economic climate, with companies facing challenges on many fronts, there is real benefit to be had from strength in numbers.”

York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is the largest non-profit making private business organisation in North Yorkshire representing more than 1,200 members.

Leeds Chamber, one of the founders of both the LFSI and Marketing Leeds, recently merged with Leeds Media.

Originally  established in 1785 Leeds Chamber was the first body in this country to bear the name Chamber of Commerce.

The proposed Chamber would offer a comprehensive range of support and services to a wide variety of business throughout the region.

Bradford Chamber and the Mid-Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, which has bases in Huddersfield and Wakefield, said they were aware of the proposed merger but were not invited to take part.

Will the proposed merger be good for members and the region? What do you think the new chamber should be called? Comment below or on TheBusinessDesk.com forum.