IF the evident enthusiasm demonstrated by the capacity turn-out at the inaugural dinner of our new Euro-style Chamber is anything to go by... Peter Hulmes and his team could be on to a winner.

'New structure, new leadership and a new philosophy - a philosophy to serve businesses by providing active and constructive support' was how Sir Antony Pilkington (Chamber president) introduced the new St Helens Chamber of Commerce, training and Enterprise (SHCCTE) at the dinner held in Chalon Court

More than 160 people from the St Helens business community and key representatives from St Helens Council attended the event, heralding the start of a new period of shared optimism, backed by the current high levels of development in the borough.

And according to Sir Antony, an ambitious programme of recruitment will strengthen the new Chamber. The old organisation had 300 members at the time of the merger. Sir Antony's targets are: 500 members in the next two years and 800 by the new century... that's out of a current total of some 3,000 businesses in St Helens.

'Businesses should join because the new Chamber is a fresh start' he added. 'It is not bureaucratic. It is staffed by people who understand business and who see themselves as an integral part of St Helens businesses.'

In his speech, Sir Antony described the new chamber as 'the latest manifestation of independence of thought translated into action in St Helens.' The rationalisation of the delivery of business and training support services into one organisation has made access for businesses easier and provides the benefits of a more co-ordinated approach.

As the first of its kind on Merseyside, and one of only six similar organisations in the country, the new merged St Helens Chamber was created by the merger of the traditional St Helens Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry, and Qualitec - the Training and Enterprise Council for St Helens. The new organisation also incorporates the services formerly provided by the Community of St Helens Trust, the council's Economic Development Unit and St Helens First (the promotional agency for the borough). It is also incorporates Business Link St Helens, which is part of the national network of business support outlets.

Not only has SHCCTE received Investor in People recognition in its new structure, but last month received a welcome seal of approval from Gillian Shepherd, Secretary of State of Education and Employment, who awarded the organisation a three-year operating licence running until March, 1999.

'This will provide stability and continuity of service delivery within the St Helens borough,' said Peter Hulmes, Chamber chief executive.

'The St Helens Chamber of Commerce, Training and Enterprise is at the forefront of progressive support to businesses and is yet further evidence of the spirit of partnership which has long existed in St Helens. The new chamber provides the base for whole borough to achieve the goal of success and prosperity for St Helens.'

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.