The new Chamber will be run by Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce but will operate as a separate entity. The BCC approved the Northamptonshire Chamber proposal after a lengthy selection process.
The announcement has been welcomed by business and by Milton Keynes Council. Its leader Cllr Andrew Geary said: “The Northamptonshire Chamber is a long-standing and well respected organisation that will provide a dedicated Milton Keynes operation to suit the needs of our local companies.”
Milton Keynes Chamber will provide a range of support services to businesses, including free legal and HR advice, training courses, networking events, international trade services and export documentation.
It takes the place of the previous Milton Keynes & North Bucks Chamber of Commerce, which closed in February.
Northamptonshire Chamber chief executive Paul Griffiths (pictured) has also taken on the chief executive role for Milton Keynes Chamber. He said: “We are keen to replicate the success we have experienced in Northamptonshire in Milton Keynes.
“We are committed and dedicated to helping businesses to grow and prosper and do this through giving them access to a range of different products and business support services that I am sure the companies of Milton Keynes will also benefit from.
“We understand that many firms in the Milton Keynes area may feel let down by their previous Chamber of Commerce and we are keen to help.”
The two Chambers will hold joint events to encourage cross-border links, he added.
Cllr Geary said: "I am delighted that the Northamptonshire Chamber will be taking on the management of the new Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce. I very much look forward to working with them to further build our reputation as a great place to do business.”
British Chambers of Commerce director general John Longworth added: “The creation of a new Chamber in Milton Keynes is great news for local businesses. Companies across the UK are crying out for more support to help them drive growth, boost trade overseas and create jobs and wealth and this is something that having a brand new, revitalised Chamber will help them with.”
For more details on Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, visit www.chambermk.co.uk or telephone (01908) 547820.
