South Yorkshire chambers vow to work more closely

Chamber members said the move reflects a desire to work as a ‘regional chamber movement’ across South Yorkshire, ensuring powerful representation of the local business community in a time of devolution, and mirroring the Combined Authority and Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

Currently the region has a forum for chambers to connect.

However, chamber bosses said a more aligned position, which will initially see the two chambers strengthen their ties and co-operation, represents a new stage towards the potential creation of a South Yorkshire chamber body.

Darren Pearce, president of Sheffield Chamber, said the organisation was seeking to move with the changing times.

He added: “The leadership and governance of the region is set to experience significant change over the next few years, with the establishment of the Combined Authority, the potential of a city region mayor, and devolution of funding to the region.”

“The role of the Chambers is to support business in the evolving economic landscape and our intention is to work ever closer together, positioning the South Yorkshire chambers as the voice of business for the region.”

Lisa Pogson, who was recently appointed president of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added working together would strengthen the position of both chambers.

She added: “There is a commitment by both chamber boards to work in greater co-operation to find an aligned voice on many key issues and establish areas of joint working to ensure we strengthen our proposition to members.”

*Both organisations are appealing for more members to join the chamber.

For more details about the Sheffield chamber visit www.scci.org.uk and for Barnsley & Rotherham enquiries visit http://www.brchamber.co.uk/membership/