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It pays to be a Chamber member!

Written by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce | 12 Aug 2021

If you own a business in Bedfordshire or are looking for customers in Beds, you should certainly consider joining the Chamber.

Why? Because there’s a whole raft of benefits, explained below, from company promotion, to online networking and face-to-face events, to support and training, to global services – and much more besides.

(And if you’re an existing member, make sure you read this to ensure you are using your membership to its full advantage and not missing out!)

Who we are, what we do, and why

Ultimately, the Chamber’s mission is to facilitate connections across its network and enable business growth - not just locally and regionally, but internationally too.

The British Chambers of Commerce is made up of 53 Chambers in total. Bedfordshire is one of these and was founded almost 145 years ago.

Today we represent more than 700 local businesses, ranging from sole traders through to multinational corporations, in just about every sector and vertical imaginable – and we stand ready to support your business too.

Whatever the size or nature of your business, we have a membership package to suit you and to provide appropriate business support, from the everyday to the urgent and the critical, how and when you need it.

Promotion, promotion, promotion

The membership package you choose will determine the benefits you receive, but in every case, company promotion comes as standard. From an entry in our company directory, through to exposure on the Chamber website and a profile in our quarterly business magazine, Business Focus, - you’re sure to get your company name known. We can also help you run targeted campaigns and facilitate introductions to companies you would like to do business with in the area.

Networking events for advice and support

We run regular events (online and face-to-face starting soon, we are pleased to report), where you can meet fellow business-owners, get advice and work your network to grow your customer base.

For larger organisations we also offer leadership and bespoke events crafted around your business needs. Your strategic goals are always at the heart of the service we provide and by actively communicating with us – which we welcome and encourage – you can ensure you get the most out of being a Chamber member.

A one stop shop of support

We offer all kinds of support from discounted products and services to support on various topics, including HR, legal, marketing, health and safety and everything in between, with dedicated account support – we are only ever a phone call or email away. 

Funding and financial help

The recent climate has seen more and more businesses turn to the Chamber for help, but it’s not only in times of crisis that we can support you. We help companies day in and day out to source funding, facilitate grant applications and secure finance with our Chamber Finance Finder tool.

International trade support

Do you operate internationally? Brexit has caused many companies a real headache with new and confusing documentation, not to mention necessary price increases and supply chain issues. We have always prided ourselves on the international support we offer businesses (long before Brexit), and continue to provide assistance with documentation, market research, international contacts and more to enable you to grow your business world-wide.

Fighting your corner at Westminster

Perhaps less well known is the Chamber’s involvement in lobbying and policymaking within Government. We work hard behind the scenes to get business’ voices heard across all sectors, and we actively engage you in this by offering you the opportunity to become a Bedfordshire Business Ambassador, enabling you to inform policy and influence the local agenda yourself.

These are just some of the benefits on offer. The opportunities within the county as a Chamber member are vast and there really isn’t the space to describe them all here.

But don’t take our word for it! If you would like to speak to an existing member to hear more about the benefits first-hand, let us know and we can put you in touch with member companies in your area.

If, however, you like what you’ve seen and you’re ready to make the decision to join, applying to become a member couldn’t be easier - simply visit https://www.chamber-business.com/become-a-member-of-bedfordshire-chamber-of-commerce and complete the online form, or call us on 01582 522 448 and one of our team will be happy to help.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Chamber!

Topics: networking

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