Since Chambers were founded, one of the core activities has been to ensure they remain the voice of business both regionally and beyond   Gathering the views, ideas and concerns of companies enables them to feed into local authority policy-making forums, sub regional committees and development agencies, right up to ministerial meetings.

Some of the key themes that the Chamber’s policy staff has been concerned with over the last year are:

• Transport
• Education & Skills
• Red Tape
• Crime against Business
• Procurement
• Planning & Property Development
• Immigration

To ensure businesses receive the very best support and reach the widest possible audience, chambers need to work in partnership with other bodies.

Senior members of staff and directors sit on several committees and forums associated with the Thames Gateway, South East, and also nationally. We also have area representatives which feed into the main board.

As members of the South East Chambers of Commerce and accredited members of the British Chambers of Commerce, business views and opinions from our members are heard at the highest levels.