Lib Dems press for Chamber of Commerce membership - Hunneman

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 7th Dec 2006

Cllr Hunneman was surprised to learn WBC is not a member of the Chamber of Commerce

Councillor Roger Hunneman is this week pressing for West Berkshire Council to become a member of the West Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. Since being made aware by local members of the Chamber of Commerce that WBC was not a member, Councillor Hunneman has prepared a question to West Berkshire Council's ruling Executive, which he will ask at the full meeting of Council on 14th December.

Councillor Hunneman, who sits on a committee of elected business people who drive the Chamber's lobbying activities, commented:

"It strikes me that it is vital that West Berkshire Council becomes a full member of the Chamber, given the benefits that strong links with local business and enterprise can provide. To be honest, I was very surprised to learn that West Berkshire Council was NOT a member! I will be asking a question at the next meeting of full council, with a view to getting the Tory Executive to commit to full membership of the Chamber - let's see if the so-called party of business and commerce are prepared to support this!"

Benefits of membership of local chambers of commerce for councils include networking, exchange of skills and best practice and strong links with local businesses. Other local authorities who have joined the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce include Slough Borough Council, Wokingham District Council and Aylesbury Vale District Council.