The Islington Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 83rd birthday in 2012

• Ronke Lawal (Islington Chamber of Commerce)
• Friday 11 May 2012

On May 24th 1929, The Islington Chamber of Commerce and Trade was "born" as a means of encouraging local business activity and support local businesses in the area. Despite many changes in the social and economic landscape the chamber has stood the test of time. We invite local businesses to attend an informal Birthday Celebration at The Hilton Islington on May 24th at 6pm.*

The frequent and relevant networking opportunities available through the chamber still make it a valuable forum in which to do business; offering consistent referrals and opportunities to showcase skills, products and services to fellow business owners. The ICoC holds networking events at least 3 times a month which vary from relaxed professional breakfast meetings to powerful business expos like "Inspired Islington". The old adage rings true with business membership of a chamber of commerce; "the more you give, the more you get" - the more active members are within the chamber, be that through engaging in local business activity or promoting their services, the more valuable membership becomes.

In an increasingly competitive business landscape it is with increasing importance that companies go that extra distance to make themselves stand out from the crowd. Many small businesses do not have the budget for a marketing department, those that do have a budget sometimes outsource but on the most part undertake marketing and press activities themselves. With so much to manage in the everyday running of a business it can often be a difficult task and any smart business owner knows that marketing matters. A chamber of commerce provides an affordable and consistent platform on which to promote business activities. There are a variety of ways that this can be undertaken including businesses sponsoring events, facilitating workshops, providing articles for chamber newsletter and chamber websites and actively networking. The ICoC also has exceptional links with local press which means that membership provides affordable PR opportunities for local business owners.

Unlike many other business membership organisations chambers can be the business family that can offer guidance, support and an avenue for business success. Chamber membership still matters and it still means businesses.

*Visit http://lasthurmay005.eventbrite.com/ to book your free place.

To find out more about the Islington Chamber of Commerce please visit www.islingtonchamber.org.uk or email admin@islingtonchamber.org.uk