The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) has promised a “seamless transition” for its thousands of members after being sold out of administration in a deal that safeguarded dozens of jobs.
In July, the UK’s largest chamber of commerce warned it was close to collapse due to the “unsustainable” costs of running its Chamber Space events business on Deansgate.
Administrators Lindsey Cooper and Ed Connell of Armstrong Watson were appointed on Wednesday and immediately sold the core chamber operations to a newly formed company, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce 2025. The chamber’s main business support services have transferred to the new entity, which directors say will remain “the voice of business on key issues.”
Chamber Space, the conferencing arm launched in 2017, has permanently closed after suffering from post-pandemic changes in working habits, falling demand, and rising costs.
Cooper said: “We are very pleased that a deal has been negotiated whereby jobs have been preserved and continuity of the vital services carried out by the Chamber in supporting the Greater Manchester business community has been secured.”
Thirty-seven staff have moved to the new organisation, which will continue to deliver business support, international trade services, policy work, and the Local Skills Improvement Plan across the city region.
Chief executive Clive Memmott will step down after a short transition period. Finance director Sarah Blatch, policy director Chris Fletcher, and marketing director Lucy Mulligan will lead the chamber alongside its new board.
The chamber thanked members, businesses, and staff for their support during the restructuring, pledging to help firms “overcome uncertainty, drive sustainable growth, and ensure they have a strong voice with key decision makers.”
