The bosses of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce have vowed a “seamless transition” for its thousands of members after it was sold from administration in a deal that saved dozens of jobs.
In July the organisation – the biggest of its kind in the Ƶ – warned it was on the brink of administration thanks to the “unsustainable” costs of running its Chamber Space events business in Deansgate.
On Wednesday night – and immediately sold the main chamber of commerce business to a newly-formed chamber company. The chamber’s main business support functions have all moved across, with directors saying the new organisation will continue to be “the voice of business on key issues”.
GMCC’s Chamber Space events and conferencing business in Elliot House in Deansgate, which were hit hard by the after-effects of the pandemic, has now closed and will not return.
Lindsey Cooper and Ed Connell, of Armstrong Watson were appointed joint administrators of GMCC on Wednesday before announcing the deal to sell "the business and certain assets to a newly formed chamber entity".
Lindsey Cooper said: “We are very pleased that a deal has been negotiated whereby jobs have been preserved and continuity of the vital services carried out by the Chamber in supporting the Greater Manchester business community has been secured.”
In August, that it planned to appoint administrators, allowing it to "pause, review and attempt to safeguard the future of our business".
The organisation said the Chamber Space conference and events business, first opened in 2017, had been performing poorly thanks to changing working habits post-pandemic. It said: “The pandemic and the aftermath have created sustained financial pressures. The lasting changes in working patterns, a fall in demand, and rising operating costs have made Chamber Space an unsustainable part of the business."
After the latest deal, the new Chamber company said: “Following the purchase of the business and certain assets from the Administrator, we are pleased to announce that a new business will now be delivering the services of the former GMCC. There will be a seamless transition that delivers continuity of membership and business services to the Greater Manchester business community.
“A total of 37 staff members have transferred to the new organisation, ensuring the continued delivery of the Chamber of Commerce’s essential services across the city region.
“The economic landscape continues to be volatile with many challenges for members. Our priority is to provide services that enable businesses to overcome uncertainty, drive sustainable growth, benefitting both themselves and the economy of Greater Manchester whilst ensuring businesses know they have a strong voice representing them to key decision makers.
“Following the creation of the new organisation, the Chamber’s core services – supporting business; international trade services; influencing policy; delivering the LSIP (Local Skills Improvement Plan); being the voice of business on key issues such as skills and promoting economic growth across Greater Manchester – will continue. The Chamber Space service was closed in August, and will not return as part of this new model.”
Chief executive Clive Memmott is set to step down “ after a brief period of transition”. The leadership team of finance director Sarah Blatch, policy director Chris Fletcher, and marketing director Lucy Mulligan will lead the chamber alongside its new board.
A new company called Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce 2025 was founded in July, with directors including Sarah Blatch and Chris Fletcher.
The new organisation added: “We would like to thank every member, business and individual who has supported the Chamber through this period, and of course our staff who have continued to support the membership with dedication and enthusiasm.”
