Chamber merger talks move forward

A DATE has been set for member businesses to take a decision on the proposed merger of the Bradford Chamber and the Leeds, York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Extraordinary General Meetings for the two organisations will take place next month and  the boards of directors for the two business bodies are recommending the new ‘super-Chamber’ as the best way forward in terms of representation, business support and financial sustainability. 

Bradford Chamber president, Paul Mackie, said:  “While there may be some shared back-room services where savings could be made, the strong identities of these three great cities will be maintained.  I will still be campaigning for Bradford but also for a stronger city-region partnership in which businesses are taking key decisions and actions that bring greater prosperity.  We’re urging members to come along on 10 February and back the move.”

Leeds president, Nigel Foster, added: “I believe that this new venture can create a stronger economic landscape for the Leeds City Region.  Most Chambers now operate at a regional level – Greater Manchester and the North East, for example; by joining forces, we would be the fifth largest Chamber in the country and have a stronger voice in lobbying decision-makers at all levels.”

If the vote is carried (a two-thirds majority is needed within both organisations), changes would begin to take place in the following month. The new body would be headed up by current Bradford Chamber chief executive, Sandy Needham.  Leeds, York & North Yorkshire boss Len Cruddas will retire if the change occurs, having run both York & North Yorkshire Chamber and then Leeds, York & North Yorkshire, as well.