THE creation of a single Chamber of Commerce for Greater Manchester has taken a 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 embraces companies in Bury, Whitefield and Prestwich.

Boards of both organisations have agreed to move ahead towards 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 about 7,000, the intended merger will create by far the largest organisation in the UK's 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."