Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Chamber of Commerce?
- How much of my time will membership to the Chamber take up?
- Aren't Chambers just an old fashioned club?
- Isn't the Chamber for big businesses, not small companies like mine?
Q. What is a Chamber of Commerce?
A. A Chamber of Commerce is an independent membership organisation of local business both large and small. It provides local businesses with a range of services including:
- Networking Events - expanding your business contacts
- Information and Advice - keeping you up-to-date
- Training - maximising your business potential through your people
- Representation and Lobbying - the independent voice of local business
- Commerical Services - benefit from exclusive discounted services
- International Trade - developing your overseas markets
Q. How much of my time will membership to the Chamber take up?
A. Actually we believe you will save time by being a member and we all know that time is money! How many times have you pondered over a problem and wasted time because you just haven't had the resources to be able to solve it? By being a Chamber member you have a dedicated team just a phone call away on hand to help you with any problems which may arise. From a legal enquiry to customer sourcing, from international trade documentation to skills training and much, much more.
Q. Aren't Chambers just an old fashioned club?
A. Chambers of Commerce may be old, but they are not old fashioned. The Chamber aims to be at the forefront when it comes to developing business and with our extensive links both in Britain and overseas we are able to help our members to get ahead. The Chamber sees being old as an advantage rather than a disadvantage because what comes with age? Knowledge, and we know that we have got the knowledge to be able to help your company.
Q. Isn't the Chamber for big businesses, not small companies like mine?
A. No. Large or small the Chamber seeks to represent all local businesses and to provide a particular service to small businesses. 53% of the Chambers membership is made up of companies employing 1 to 10 people and 71% between 1 to 25 people. We can help you grow. Whether that is by getting the correct documentation from our International Trade Centre, by obtaining some excellent business advice from our Business Information department, or even by making a new contact at one of our varied Chamber events.
