BCC looks to merge to increase commercial pressure

The
British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is to merge with a rival pressure group in
an attempt to increase its influence.

According
to The Times, the BCC is thought to be in talks with the Forum of Private
Business (FPB) about taking over the 25,000 member group.

The
takeover would be aimed at giving the BCC a more distinctive voice among the
plethora of business bodies. It is particularly keen to gain leverage against
the CBI – the body deemed to be the most powerful lobby group for medium-sized
and bigger businesses.

It
is understood that the enlarged group would be given a new name, such as the
Small Business Confederation.

By Mike Berry