Nidderdale Chamber of Trade will cease to exist at the end of next month after at least half a century of promoting businesses in and around Pateley Bridge.
Membership has dwindled since covid and there has been a lack of interest in taking up leadership roles.
Consequently the current directors have announced they will not be seeking re-election and are urging the 40 or so remaining members to take advantage of an introductory offer to join Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce.
Tim Ledbetter, chairman of Nidderdale Chamber of Trade and owner of Sypeland Outdoors, said the chance to join the Harrogate district group meant a “negative had turned into a positive” because it would give Nidderdale businesses a wider reach. He said:
“Things have changed in the last few years since covid. Like any voluntary organisation, it’s very difficult to get new volunteers and some have fallen by the wayside. Moving forward, we feel this is the best thing to do for Nidderdale.
“We will now be part of a bigger platform. A lot of businesses in Harrogate have heard of Pateley but don’t know about the opportunities. This will enable us to tell them.”
Mr Ledbetter said the chamber would leave a legacy of success, which included organising events such as late night Christmas shopping and a 1940s weekend and success in competitions such as the Great British High Street and Britain in Bloom.
The Harrogate district chamber is offering Nidderdale chamber members, which include hotels, shops, distilleries and galleries, discounted membership as a time-limited introductory offer.
Chief executive David Simister said:
“This a great opportunity for existing Nidderdale Chamber of Trade members to join a district-wide business organisation, one with a strong voice for business.”
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Sue Kramer, president of the Harrogate district chamber, said:
“A few years ago, we changed our name from Harrogate Chamber of Trade to Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, as we are keen to give a strong local business voice not just in Harrogate, but further afield too.
“Whilst our monthly meetings are held in Harrogate, the range of topics helping to educate and support businesses, and of course the networking opportunities are relevant to all district businesses.”