The face of business support in South Wales is set to change

The South Wales and West Wales Chambers will merge on the 1st of December 2009, a historic moment in Welsh Chamber history. The merger will create a stronger more vibrant Chamber of Commerce for South Wales – one that will have stronger representation throughout the region.

Businesses in South Wales will have a powerful and effective business voice through the Chamber for the challenging environment we are working in – one that speaks to both the public and private sectors. There will be tangible benefits to local business supported at a regional and national level – creating an infrastructure for local business unlike any other organization in Wales.

In a unanimous decision at last nights Extraordinary General Business Meeting (EGM) in West Wales over 1000 direct members and 1500 affiliate members with different businesses including manufacturing, distribution, construction, accountants, IT, HR, and retail will amalgamate. A pan South Wales accredited chamber will open a variety of new opportunities.

Both chambers are in existence to provide members with a variety of benefits that range from comprehensive event programmes to International Trade support and many advice services.

The chambers have been in existence for over 130 years. With the knowledge and experience behind both chambers it was only a matter of time before the two merged to form an alliance to represent the voice of businesses on a regional level.

The South Wales Chamber of Commerce is an accredited member of the British Chambers of Commerce (SWCC) and over the years has established itself to become one of the prominent independent business voices in South Wales. 

Now the merge is complete the SWCC covers a vast area from Chepstow to Fishguard and takes member services and representation to a new level.

In a letter to the president of the West Wales Chamber, Minister for Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones welcomed the merge by saying: “…a new pan South Wales Chamber will bring considerable benefits to the membership, and so serve to strengthen and support the business community across the whole of the area.

“A larger, stronger organisation will have the ability to promote Welsh business more robustly both within the UK and internationally.”

Graham Morgan, Director of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “Having recently come on board as director it is fantastic we have an opportunity to join forces with another chamber and be in a position to offer a wider variety of coordinated benefits to businesses.

“The union of the two chambers will provide businesses with contacts further afield and in turn strengthen welsh working and business relationships. As we move forward with a strategy to incorporate wider resources over a vast area we will ultimately help reinforce the Welsh economy.”

Speaking following the successful merger, Stuart Taylor, West Wales Chamber President, said: “On behalf of the members, board and staff of West Wales Chamber of Commerce I am delighted that we have been able to bring this exciting merger to a successful conclusion.

“The needs and aspirations of our members are always of paramount importance to the chamber and I am convinced that they will now benefit from the greater range of services that the new organisation will offer.

“Members will also know that the size and scope of the newly merged accredited Chamber body will provide them with both a stronger and more persuasive voice with political and other decision makers on behalf of them and other business owners.”