Business group stands firm

THE Capital's biggest business group has seen no decline in membership numbers, despite the recession.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said it still has more than 2000 members.

The figures came as it unveiled its annual report for 2009/10, which showed that turnover increased by 10 per cent to 4.3 million, while its operating surplus doubled to 233,000.

Chief executive Ron Hewitt said: "It's a reminder that there is opportunity in a downturn. Seeing the opportunities and exploiting them distinguishes those who profit and those who merely survive.

"Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organisation. But that does not mean that we are short of ambition, or commercial acumen.

"We intend to develop still further our products and services, our support for our members and our influence."