A year of growth, advocacy and collaboration that strengthens the Chamber’s role as the leading voice for business in the North West. 

This past year has been one of the Chamber’s strongest, marked by growth across membership, events and advocacy. Membership increased by 12%, reinforcing the collective voice of the North West business community and demonstrating the value members continue to place in the Chamber’s work.

Our events programme has kept its momentum. The total number of events grew by 10% and registrations rose from 1,449 to 2,249, a rise of 55%. This reflects a membership that is increasingly engaged and a programme that responds to what businesses need and provides opportunities to connect, learn and shape the region’s future.

Advocacy has remained at the heart of our work. Over the past year the CEO and Board members held 251 engagements with government, policymakers, councils and regional partners. These interactions ensure that the priorities of our members are consistently represented, whether on infrastructure, investment, skills or broader economic development.

Our communications continue to evolve in purpose and relevance. Good News Friday now plays a vital role in sharing member achievements and championing regional success, supporting a positive narrative about the North West. Alongside it, The Briefing, introduced this year, provides members with clear, accessible insights on policy developments. It interprets complex issues through a North West lens and is already becoming a resource, reflecting the ambitions laid out during our recent Strategy Day.

This year also marks a clear strategic arc across three presidencies. Greg McCann’s focus on Ambition in Place in 2024 reasserted confidence in the region’s potential. Andrew Fleming’s theme of Ambitious Regional Collaboration strengthened partnership working across the North West. Steven Lindsay now builds on that foundation with a renewed focus on Driving Regional Impact and ensuring our work delivers tangible outcomes for members.

With a stronger membership base, a growing voice and deeper collaboration, the Chamber enters 2026 ready to turn ambition into delivery for the North West.

The Takeaway:

The Chamber enters 2026 with momentum, a stronger mandate and a clear focus on driving meaningful impact for businesses across the North West.

Find the full 140th Annual General Meeting Summary here.

View the full AGM Photo Gallery here.