The South Wales Chamber of Commerce has announced it will expand into Powys and Ceredigion for the first time after striking a partnership with the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group.
The Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce will officially open for business on Monday 7 January and aims to develop long-term opportunities for business in mid Wales to connect with one another and fulfil their growth potential.
As part of its establishment, there will also be a phased review of issues impacting on businesses in the region and common areas identified that would warrant representation to political leaders, as well as a reinforcement of how this representation will take shape.
The partnership will see existing Mid Wales Manufacturing Group members given the opportunity to enhance their membership to a full Chamber of Commerce one.
Members will have access to business support services such as advice, training and development, as well as access to the Chamber’s directory and special supplier rates offered as being part of Wales’ longest established business membership organisation.
Graham Morgan, director of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a significant step in growing the strength of our network and enables us to offer our members a business networking infrastructure which is broader in scope and size.
“We have been looking at building a Chamber proposition in mid Wales for a while, but now the time is right and, through our partnership with the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, we are confident that we’re better placed than ever to offer a support service that can help businesses in the region expand into new markets.”
It marks the first time that the South Wales Chamber of Commerce has actively moved into mid Wales and continues the group’s strategic expansion following its merger with the West Wales Chamber of Commerce to become a fully representative organisation with representatives on the ground in the business community.
Mr Morgan added: “Our aim is to develop a platform that enhances working and business relationships so that we can foster growth for businesses across Wales, and, as a single support body covering a larger area, we are in the prime position to do that.
“For example, our members not only have access to our Member Directory of over 1,000 local businesses, but also the British Chamber of Commerce’s membership, which exceeds 50,000 UK businesses. What’s more, as the BCC is part of the global network of Chambers of Commerce, there is simply no better route for businesses into a global marketplace.
“We look forward to being able to leverage the strength of our network for businesses in mid Wales and welcome those who are interested in becoming a member in time for our January launch to get in touch.”
Hannah Barrett, HR Manager at Castalum one of the region’s most successful exporting companies, will take up the position of Chair of the inaugural Territory Council in mid Wales, alongside her existing role as Chair with the Mid Wales Manufacturing Group.
Mrs Barrett said: “I am delighted to have been asked to Chair the Territory Council of the Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce, which will provide access to a number of new and exciting benefits for local businesses in the region and provide a platform to develop the international capabilities of local companies.
“Mid Wales Manufacturing Group has always championed the needs of the business sector in the area, and to be invited by the highly successful South Wales Chamber of Commerce to be their partner in forming this new Chamber signifies that we have again succeeded in bringing added benefits to the business community of Powys and Ceredigion.”
Ahead of its official launch, the new Mid Wales Chamber will hold its first Christmas networking event Wednesday 12th December at the Elephant & Castle, Newtown, which will feature comedy entertainment from Taylor Glenn and live music from Jimi Webb.