BUSINESSES throughout Bury now have the chance to join the biggest chamber of commerce in the country.

Greater Manchester Chamber has 7,000 members across the conurbation and is twice the size of any other British chamber.

It was formed through the recent merger of North Manchester Chamber and Manchester Chamber. The size of its membership gives it a strong voice in lobbying local authorities, the Government and the European Union.

One of the new services available to Bury and Bolton members is a dedicated press and PR officer. Former business reporter Simon Cronin is based at Bolton Business Investment Centre. His role is to promote the Chamber and its members.

He said: "Firstly, we have our monthly MC2 magazine which goes out to our 7,000 members. Secondly, we supply content for the business supplements of a number of daily papers across Greater Manchester. Finally, we send our press releases to the local, regional and national media."

Members are served by a dedicated team including local policy manager Paul Foster, health and safety manager Steve Horrocks and policy administrator Angie Lee.

For more information about the Chamber in Bury, contact Paul on 01204 336093 or e-mail paul.foster@gmchamber.co.uk instead. Chamber members who have a news story for the magazine or media should ring Simon Cronin on 01204 336099 or e-mail simon.cronin@gmchamber.co.uk