Chambers of Commerce

[Amelixuk]

Hi All,

I have been involved with several businesses over the years in various industires and some of the companies I have been involved in have joined the local Chamber.

It has been a few years since we have joined any and just wondered if anyone is a member or benefits fromt he membership.

I have also found some chambers are much better than others.

Sorry for a rambeled post just wondered what you look for in a chamber? and what does your chamber membership do for you?

Thanks

 

[da8iwr]

When i pay for any membership (including forums like this) i think what type of job would i need to get to pay for it.

I cant remember of-hand how much UKBF is for example, but if it is lets say £25 per year, then if i sold a website once every 4 years, it would pay for itself.

Trust me i have made a lot more than £100 from this site... in fact most of us have im sure.

So any networking meeting type organisation, if you goto all the meetings and they get you one contract, one job, it will probably pay for itself and you will also have the added benefit of meeting lots of other like minded people and the services they provide such as legal help and offers from different other members.

Also think of the FSB, and local networking meetings.

 

[bdw]

I was also considering joining my local chamber. I took an advert out in their magazine to test it last month. It cost me more than £200 and I have received any enquiries from it. I would have been cheaper just joining.

I was a member of the FSB and it was not a good experience. I consider it to be an organisation ran by fuddy duddies who know nothing about running a small business. They spend a significant part of your membership fees on recruitment and jollies and seldom measure up when you have a problem.

 

[da8iwr]

I have to agree on the FSB, i was promised lots of offers etc, but found that most if not all could be found at the same rate with some good haggling anyway.

I do agree, to make £200 is very easy though, just one good client could usually pay for this, and if you keep that client for 2yrs and they recommend to another person your still making profit from the membership joining fee.

Business link also hold networking meetings and coffee mornings as well, the ones in this local area are free, so try and use them if they are there .