THE creation of a single Chamber of Commerce for Greater Manchester has taken a giant stride forward.

Plans have been approved to establish the sole body following six months of talks between the two existing chambers, Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry and North Manchester Chamber which includes Bury, Whitefield and Prestwich.

Both boards have agreed to move to the merger by October 1.

Proposals will see a union between both groups to create a new organisation, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, to cover all the area's ten districts. The plans will go for approval at respective extraordinary general meetings of both chambers next month.

With a starting membership base of around 7,000, the intended merger will create by far the UK's largest organisation in the chamber network.

David Peacock, chief executive of North Manchester Chamber, commented: "This merger provides a real opportunity for businesses across Greater Manchester to make sure that their voices are heard.

"A strong local chamber presence will ensure that the business perspective is brought to local economic development and regeneration issues and the enhanced research and lobbying functions will make sure that chamber members will benefit from the highest levels of support."

He added: "The new chamber will add even more value to members' businesses by developing its range of new services in response to members' needs. Members will be joining the largest business to business network in the country, providing fantastic opportunities for business development and growth."