Date: 18 June 2008
Following up the Chamber's recent successful 2000 Strong Party, respondents were asked for their views on why Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce had achieved two thousand members as the fastest growing Chamber in the UK, and what would need to be done to reach the greater goal of five thousand members.
"The Chamber is a body that carries out a very balanced and professional role in representing Edinburgh's business community in all areas of Edinburgh life. Without it the City of Edinburgh would not have been able to achieve its goal of being an 'Inspiring City'. " Manish Chande Senior Partner Mountgrange PLP
"I feel strongly that despite the current economic difficulties we may see a new dawn whereby Edinburgh and Scottish business realises the importance of grasping the opportunity to create our own destiny. It is only by concentrating afresh on finding new ways of becoming globally competitive that we will succeed in maintaining our position in the world far less growing our economy. It is through the need to take a common approach and understand that it is of the utmost importance to establish within industry, the public sector and government a joint approach that we can succeed. The Chamber is important in bringing proactive representatives together to develop ways of achieving those common aims that will ensure our national prosperity." Dan MacDonald Chief Executive Macdonald Estates, Chairman Scottish Property Federation
"The Chamber's commitment to improving member's services and its influence on public policy is outstanding. I am sure with this visible leadership and relevance to growing opportunity for business in the wider community, 5000 members can be achieved." Tom Halpin Deputy Chief Constable Lothian & Borders Police
"Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is the fastest growing in the UK and now the largest Chamber in Scotland. That's good news for all of Edinburgh - a strong Chamber with a healthy membership, giving business the best advice in a fast moving environment, paves the way for strong and sustainable growth in our capital city. Their steady growth is a tribute to business recognising the value of joining the Chamber network, and I wish Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce more success in the years to come." Jim Mather MSP Enterprise Minister The Scottish Government
"The listening, dialogue and action that has marked the interaction between the Chamber and the Council are the same features that must be so attractive to businesses in the city. Edinburgh has a key role to play in growing the Scottish economy. Edinburgh's success depends on excellent public and private sector relationships. The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is crucial to that." Cllr Jenny Dawe, Leader City of Edinburgh Council
"The Chamber, working with government and other key partners, is key to the delivery of the right business environment that a successful economy needs and that delivers the kind of society we all aspire to." Brendan Dick Director BT Scotland, Chairman Edinburgh Business Assembly
"Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is the authoritative voice for business in Edinburgh. The benefits to members are many and diverse, and I would urge any companies who have not yet joined to consider the Chamber as the strategic partner of choice, particularly in challenging economic times." Laura Gordon Director Glasgow: Edinburgh Collaboration
"Edinburgh Chamber is a prolific champion for Edinburgh businesses, keeping them informed about issues which impact, driving forward policies and ideas which will benefit the city as a whole and the businesses, large and small, which operate in the capital. To continue its remarkable growth the Chamber needs to cater for the needs of all sizes of businesses and make its offering and services relevant to those operating in the city." Nora Senior Managing Director Weber Shandwick
"Congratulations to everyone at the Chamber for growing to 2000 members. Its particular focus on supporting the people in business provides a tremendous platform for continued growth and success. Putting people first will ensure the Chamber is well placed to achieve its goal of 5,000 members." Nathan Thompson Managing Director Forth Ports plc Property Division
"I am not surprised in the least that Edinburgh Chamber has reached this milestone.
The fact that I am based in Glasgow and am a member of the Edinburgh Chamber highlights that it is most certainly doing something right. Their attitude not only to Chamber members but to the whole of the business community and their commitment to a better Edinburgh for all - residents, businesses and visitors - highlights what can be done when people work together." Paul Mackie Compliance Director Datpro Ltd
"The Chamber has managed to achieve 2000 members solely through its dedicated and talented team performance - it delivers what it says it will." Bruce Hare Chief Executive Duddingston House Properties Ltd
"Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce is a driving force in the development of the City of Edinburgh. The range and diversity of its membership make the Chamber a challenging body to ensure that Edinburgh is a great place to grow a successful business." Isabella Miller General Manager John Lewis Edinburgh
"The Chamber has managed to achieve 2000 members solely through it's dedicated and talented team performance - it delivers what it says it will. To get to 5000 means not loosing any of the momentum achieved to date and continuing to deliver what it says it will for members only 150% quicker than to date!" Bruce Hare, Chief Executive, Duddingston House Properties Ltd
Click here to view the photo gallery and some comments from members attending the event.
