What is the British Chambers of Commerce?

Starting, scaling, or expanding a business can be challenging.

Although the ultimate rewards are often worth it, navigating the complex economic maze to get there can be tough.

The good news is the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is there to help.

Its Chamber Network exists to support businesses to connect, succeed, and grow. As one of the UK’s most respected and long-standing business support networks, BCC provide services, guidance, and advocacy for companies of all sizes and sectors.

Whether you're an entrepreneur launching a new venture, a smaller business aiming to grow, or an established company seeking to enter international markets, BCC can serve as vital partners.

In this article we’ve collaborated with BCC to explain what it is, what it does, and how it can help smaller businesses achieve their goals.

What is the British Chambers of Commerce?  

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) was founded over 160 years ago by a group of independent merchants.

Today, the BCC is a national umbrella organisation that connects 51 accredited regional Chambers throughout the UK.

It has a presence in every part of the UK – from Inverness to Cornwall and Belfast to Cardiff.

Its network also extends beyond the UK with British Chambers in more than 70 international markets.

Almost 80,000 businesses are members of various Chambers across the entire network and each year Accredited Chambers engage with 350,000 firms.

The BCC is an apolitical organisation – representing, championing, and supporting the Accredited Chambers and their business members to the government of the day through the gathering of insights, creation of policies, and campaigning on behalf of its members.

In 2023, the BCC expanded beyond its traditional network and formed the BCC Business Council, with some of the UK’s largest firms, including FTSE 100 members Aviva, InterContinental Hotels Group and BP.

In partnership with Accredited Chambers, these firms have helped develop policies for the Future of the Economy in five key areas:

• Digital revolution
• Global Britain
• Green innovation
• Local economy of the future
• People and work.

Why should businesses join an Accredited Chamber of Commerce?

Chambers of Commerce accredited by the BCC offer tailored services based on the needs of businesses in their local area.

Accredited Chambers are experts on local business, and by combining these insights nationally, the whole Network helps businesses tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and thrive.

Joining a Chamber could unlock a host of potential benefits.

Access to networking opportunities

Membership gives firms access to a local business network giving them the connections to grow.

The Chamber network specialises in bringing professionals together.

With regular face-to-face and virtual events, businesses gain exposure to potential customers, suppliers, and investors.

But Accredited Chamber events are more than just business speed dating.

They often include workshops, expert panels, and industry showcases.

Many members also host their own events or sponsor initiatives, under their local Accredited Chamber banner.

Business support services

Chambers can provide tailored business support, resources, and training courses, on topics ranging from legal issues to health and safety.

Teams are on hand to help firms tackle a host of operational challenges.

These include:

• legal helplines providing immediate answers to important regulatory and compliance questions
• HR consultancy helping businesses stay compliant with ever changing employment law
• mentoring schemes matching growing businesses with experienced entrepreneurs and professionals.

Some Accredited Chambers also provide coworking spaces and hot desks for small teams and solo funders.

Export and international trade services

Trade is a thread that runs through the Accredited Chamber network.

Almost 12% of UK businesses export, but more than 40% of Chamber members are exporters.

Accredited Chambers are there to encourage and support global trade.

On a practical level that can often mean easing the paperwork burden by helping with export documentation or customs declarations.

With a network of over 70 international Chambers – BCC is at the forefront of opening up new markets and opportunities for thousands of UK businesses.

British Chambers of Commerce policy and advocacy

One of the BCC’s main roles is ensuring that business interests are heard at every level of government.

Its research is rooted in the Accredited Chamber network.

Local members regularly take part in projects, such as the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is used by government and the Bank of England.

This means that by joining a local Accredited Chamber, a business can contribute to a collective voice that directly influences business and economic policy. 

Visibility and Marketing

Beyond services, being part of an Accredited Chamber could boost a businesses’ credibility.

Membership is often seen as a stamp of trust by customers and partners.

Chambers publish directories, promote members through newsletters, offer advertising slots at events, and allow members to post their own content.

They also run awards programmes and recognition events that could raise the profile of a business in local and regional media.

What types of businesses should join?

Accredited Chambers work with businesses of all types and sizes, and provide a range of benefits, depending on the size and growth phase of their members:

• startups benefit from visibility, practical guidance, and low-cost access to services
• smaller businesses gain from the Chamber’s ability to open new markets, improve operations, and provide skilled labour contacts
• corporates and multinationals use Chambers to fulfil ESG commitments, influence policy, and enhance regional engagement.

Whether it’s a creative agency, manufacturing firm, or e-commerce platform, Accredited Chambers have resources that are tailored to that sector.

How to join your local Accredited Chamber of Commerce

Most Accredited Chambers offer simple online sign-up processes and provide introductory meetings with membership officers.

After joining, they will typically provide a welcome pack, invitations to upcoming events, and login credentials for a members' portal.

Membership packages can range from basic (event access and newsletters) to premium (personal account managers, strategic introductions, PR support).

Some Chambers also offer special rates for charities and social enterprises.

The BCC’s website has full contact details for the entire Chamber network.

How the British Chambers of Commerce works with the British Business Bank

The British Chambers of Commerce advocated for the British Business Bank to be set up.

Since it was established in 2014, the two organisations have had a close and collaborative relationship.

We both want to support businesses and see them grow.

Through workshops, webinars, and co-hosted events, Chambers have helped demystify funding options, particularly for smaller businesses, whether that be Start Up Loans or growth capital.