PLANS have been approved to create a single Chamber of Commerce for Greater Manchester, making it the largest in Britain.

After six months of talks between the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce, based in Bolton, and Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the boards of both chambers have agreed to merge by October 1.

The new organisation will be called the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the merger will be subject to approval at extraordinary general meetings of both organisations next month.

With 7,000 members, the merged chambers will create the largest organisation in the UK Chamber network. The new organisation hopes its combined strength will give members the chance to influence decision-makers at local, national and international levels.

David Peacock, chief executive of North Manchester Chamber, which is based in Bridgeman Place, Bolton, said: "This merger provides a real opportunity for businesses across Greater Manchester to make sure that their voices are heard.

"A strong Chamber presence will ensure that the business perspective is brought to local economic development and regeneration issues."

The former Chambers of Commerce in Bolton and Bury, Oldham and Rochdale merged in July last year to form North Manchester Chamber of Commerce, trading as Chamber Business Connections.

Following its merger with the former Wigan and Stockport Chambers, the Manchester Chamber now covers the remainder of the area - Manchester, Salford, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan and Stockport.

Angie Robinson, chief executive of Manchester Chamber, said: "I am delighted at the prospect of a Greater Manchester Chamber.

"By bringing together the Chambers, not only can we ensure the viability of a local Chamber operation, we can also ensure the Chamber has a strong voice. This will be vital for future funding."