The North & Western Lancashire of Commerce’s milestone year will receive Parliamentary approval this week.
The Chamber, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, is sending a delegation of staff and members to a special centenary reception at the House of Commons on Wednesday, 2nd March.
That reception will feature more than 100 guests including the Chamber’s guests and other Chambers of Commerce ahead of the annual British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Conference which gets under way on Thursday.
Also in attendance will be the House of Commons Deputy Speaker, the Right Honourable Lindsay Hoyle MP, the current Member of Parliament for Chorley, as well as Nick Boles MP, the Minister of State jointly for the Department for Business Innovation and Skills and the Department for Education.
“It is a real thrill for us to be able to mark our centenary in this way,” said Babs Murphy, the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.
“We feel especially privileged that both Mr Hoyle and Mr Boles have taken time out of their busy schedules to meet and greet the Chamber and our guests.
“It’s an event which has extra resonance for the Chamber given Mr Hoyle’s status as MP for Chorley and his role as Chamber honorary vice-president since his election to Parliament in 1997.”
The day begins with a lunchtime champagne reception at Preston Station, followed by a journey to London Euston in a dedicated carriage sponsored by Virgin Trains.
“It will be an honour for us to attend Wednesday’s Commons reception,” said David Gill from Moore and Smalley, one of the Chamber’s centenary patrons.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at both of the Chamber’s centenary events so far this year and look forward to doing so again this week.”
Stephen Ford from RBS, the Chamber’s other centenary patron, added: “The presence of two such distinguished guests as Mr Hoyle and Mr Boles adds an extra dimension to what already promises to be an enjoyable day.
“It is something we are looking forward to immensely and are sure will live long in the memory.”
It is the latest event in the Chamber’s centenary year, which has already featured a civic proclamation, procession and church service as well as a match sponsorship package at Fylde RUFC.
Other events to come include a black tie centenary business dinner, Armed Forces Day and Dragon Boat racing.
