Trade Associations Vs Chambers of Commerce

Trade Associations and Chambers of Commerce are different types of bodies that are confused with each other. Both promoting the interests of business, but they are different.

Chambers of Trade

Trade Associations involve businesses working together to promote their shared interests in a particular industry or sector.

They offer members a range of benefits, including networking opportunities, access to industry data and research, and advocacy services. Our primary role is to represent members and promote the growth and success.

Chambers of Commerce

Commerce bodies like the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce represent businesses in our geographic region. They are often funded by membership fees and offer a wide range of services and benefits to their members. This includes networking opportunities, business education and training, and access to government resources.

They also play an important role in economic development, working to attract new businesses to the region and supporting growth and success of all important businesses.

Thinking of joining?

The Chamber of Trade and Chambers of Commerce share the goal of promoting the interests of businesses, in different ways.

The chamber of Trade focus on being the specific voice for our Town, while Chambers of Commerce focus on the whole business’s region. The Chamber of Trade is more specialised and the Chambers of Commerce offer a broader range of services.

The choice depends upon your individual needs and goals as a business. Companies looking to promote their interests more locally may benefit from joining a Trade Association, while those looking to connect with other businesses in their local community may benefit from joining.

Regardless of which organisation a business chooses to join, both Trade Associations and Chambers of Commerce play an important role in championing business growth and success and joining is not an outdated strategy for your company.