Delight over Chamber’s growth spurt

The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has recorded the largest rise in new members of any UK Chamber, despite a cash crisis that led to it recording a £1 million-plus loss.

The British Chambers of Commerce 2011 survey of its accredited Chambers confirms that Edinburgh is the largest Chamber in Scotland and is seventh largest in the UK.

It also achieved the highest growth in new membership in the UK and had the highest number of event participants in Scotland, with 4019 attendees.

Ron Hewitt, chief executive of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber’s success, as always, is the result of a team effort and my thanks go to our staff for their dedication, working above and beyond the call of duty.

“They found time to listen to our members and used the opportunity to redesign our offer to focus on the vital features and benefits, namely helping our members grow their business, introduce opportunities to save them money and, of course, represent their interests.

“I am delighted that we have consolidated our position in Scotland and have made progress in respect of the UK.”