View from the Chamber

LOCHABER Chamber of Commerce is part of a worldwide movement that is centuries old.

The organisation traces its roots back to 1599 in the Mediterranean port city of Marseilles, when a ‘bureau de commerce’ was founded to promote the interests of the local maritime industry.

Officially recognised by the French king Henry IV in April 1600, Marseilles holds the honour of the establishment of the first Chamber of Commerce.

The Chambers of Commerce movement expanded across Europe over the subsequent century, but it was not until 1783 when the world’s first Anglophone Chamber of Commerce was established in Glasgow.

The 19th century saw the growth of the Chamber of Commerce movement throughout the rest of Scotland.

The model adopted by Lochaber Chamber of Commerce originated in Scotland, and has been replicated in the USA and across the globe. The common thread is of businesses coming together to find a common voice to speak to government and other stakeholders to promote business interests and to work for their communities.

Chambers of Commerce are entirely independent and their activities are driven by their members.

To find out more about becoming a member of Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, contact membership and events officer Fiona McCormick on 01397 705765 or by email to membership@lochaberchamber.co.uk.