Chamber stands firm on supporting growth amid tough economic challenges

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce has reaffirmed aims to support local business as it nears the end of a milestone year.

Founded as Crewe and Nantwich Business Link in 1993, the Chamber has grown to include more than 500 member businesses following a merger with North Cheshire Chamber.

Speaking at the Chamber’s AGM, Chairman Robert Parton said: “2025 has been another dynamic and transformative year. One of our most notable achievements this year has been the successful unification of the North and South Cheshire Chambers of Commerce.

“This merger allows our teams across both regions to share best practices and build on the successes of each area.”

Mr Parton, owner of the Aqueduct Marina near Nantwich, confirmed the Chambers will operate under their own banners, adding: “While we will continue to maintain the distinct identities and event programmes of the two Chambers, our larger, combined team is now better equipped to support members across Cheshire more effectively.”

South Cheshire Chamber remains a leading member of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) – rated in the top 10 of the country’s 53 accredited Chambers – and is one of the fastest growing, the meeting staged at Rookery Hall heard.

Presenting figures for the year, Chief Executive Paul Colman said the Chamber now represents more than 37,000 employees – a large slice of the local workforce.

One major ‘win’ this year had been devolution, something the Chamber has long supported.

“This year we helped promote devolution as a way of unlocking £650m plus in funding, a huge positive for the area after the disappointment of HS2, he said.

“The Chamber has consistently backed devolution believing it to be the best way to unlock investment, improve infrastructure and create optimum conditions for business growth and new jobs.

“Fortunately Cheshire East Council voted yes but it was close.

“As we head towards a Combined Authority in 2026, our job will be to push for the needs and wants for our area, against competition from the rest of Cheshire.

“We have already begun gathering this intelligence to shape a positive environment for trade.”

Despite global challenges, this year the Chamber has supported 59 local exporters, processing a total 1,337 export documents.

This represents more than £350m worth of goods exported from South Cheshire including cars, hydraulics, cheese, oats and confectionery.

Top destinations include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, South Africa and India.

This year the Chamber also played a key role in developing Crewe Rail Forum bringing together passenger, freight and maintenance operators and was the driving force behind One Crewe, a positive news platform for the town and surrounds.

It has forged strong links with the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) to change the face of post-16 education to meet local employer need while introducing a new Levy Transfer Service allowing SMEs to recruit apprentices without red tape.

Speaking of the budget and other pressures facing the local business community including employer NI increases, staffing regulations, global instability, high inflation and post-Brexit trade friction, the CEO underlined commitment to making the area’s voice heard.

He added: “We often speak of resilience. This year has felt more like endurance for many.

“We’re relaying every message to the British Chambers of Commerce which has the ear of the Government and will make sure South Cheshire’s voice is not just heard, but felt.”

The Chamber continues to makes the case for local business via the Enterprise Cheshire & Warrington, Cheshire East Council, Crewe Town Council and Crewe Town Board.

This year has seen 64 Chamber networking events around South Cheshire, attended by 1,088 local businesses. A full programme is available for 2026.

The AGM was followed by a Christmas networking lunch and many took the opportunity to spread cheer in Christmas jumpers.

For information on joining the Chamber and events for 2026 go to www.sccci.co.uk

Pics

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman addressing the AGM at Rookery Hall

Chamber Chairman Robert Parton – owner of the Aqueduct Marina near Nantwich

The annual meeting was followed by a Christmas lunch with many wearing festive jumpers