An aligned Chamber movement to be voice for business during time of devolution

1st December 2016

Presidents of both Sheffield and Barnsley & Rotherham Chambers of Commerce have announced their intention to promote a greater sense of partnership between the two organisations.

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, 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, reflecting the voice of business for the whole region. Darren Pearce, President of Sheffield Chamber, commented: -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, newly appointed Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber President, 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.