The North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce (NWLCC) will celebrate a century of supporting businesses next year.
A year-long celebration of the Chamber’s centenary year will be launched in January, with a full civic proclamation and business church service in Preston city centre.
And to coincide with the centenary, a limited edition yearbook will be produced and the Chamber will launch new branding, including a new logo and a revamped website.
NWLCC chief executive Babs Murphy said: “We have worked really hard to make sure we mark this historic year with a fitting schedule of celebration events.
“For 100 years now, this Chamber has been at the forefront of industry in Lancashire, providing a voice for local businesses and a number of invaluable services as well.
“Lancashire has always been a great place to do business, a county that was at the very core of the industrial revolution and our Chamber has been there to support businesses for a century.
“It is our hope that all our members get involved in what will be an exciting 12 months and we would love to get the backing of the business and wider community in Lancashire.”
A relative newcomer to the chambers of commerce movement, which began in France in 1783, the Chamber was formed as the Preston and District Chamber of Commerce in 1916.
The decision to form a chamber came about after a meeting of Preston businessmen at the town hall where it was felt an organisation was required to deal with the day-to-day complications and problems arising from increasing government regulations.
Since then, the Chamber has been renamed twice, with the Central and West Lancashire Chamber being replaced by the current name, and relocated to Fulwood after two decades in Camden Place, off Winckley Square.
After the civic proclamation, which will take place on the Flag Market before a church service in Preston Minster on Tuesday, 19th January, Chamber bosses will take a delegation to London for a reception on the House of Commons Terrace on Wednesday, 2nd March – the date of the Chamber’s first meeting 100 years ago.
There will also be a centenary business dinner on 19th May and a centenary AGM and president’s business lunch on 24th November.
