Chamber expands reach with ‘exciting’ new chapter

A Yorkshire-based business support group is expanding its reach across the region.

West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce will now cover all of West Yorkshire, welcoming members from Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale. 

The move follows a shake-up in the British Chambers of Commerce network after Mid Yorkshire Chamber withdrew from the accredited system.

The expanded footprint makes West & North Yorkshire Chamber one of the largest in the country, offering members access to national lobbying power, international trade services and promotional support.

Alongside the expansion, the Chamber is also launching a new membership model allowing businesses to tailor their benefits. 

The ‘Choice-Based Membership’ scheme replaces fees based on staff headcount with service bundles covering areas such as HR, tax, international trade and marketing.

The new system, which has been trialled with positive feedback, was officially launched on Yorkshire Day (August 1). 

James Mason, chief executive of West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, which currently represents over 2500 members and leads regular trade missions abroad, said: “This summer is going to be a hugely exciting chapter in the Chamber’s history.

“The team is very much looking forward to supporting and representing businesses of all sizes across Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale.

“Our new membership model will also offer firms a dynamic and flexible series of packages to suit their needs.

“Times are very challenging for businesses and that is why the work we do to support employers, whether that be with import/export advice, legal counsel, HR assistance or lobbying regional and national government, we are here to help and support you and to champion our region.”

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