Chamber reveals expanded global trade offering at conference

A new drive to create international trade opportunities for Greater Birmingham businesses was announced at the Chamber 's Global Trade Conference.

From 1 April, the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce (GBCCC) will evolve into the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce (GBGCC) to provide opportunities for Chamber members in more international markets.

Mark Smith (pictured), president of the new GBGCC, made the announcement to delegates at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Mr Smith, the executive director of business engagement at Aston University, said: “We need to evolve to allow great opportunities to members including all countries and so from 1 April we will enhance the Commonwealth Chamber division to incorporate further markets for the purpose of bi-lateral trading opportunities.

“This will add great value to the division and as an existing GBCCC member the benefits to you expand across the globe, not just the Commonwealth.

“We look forward to speaking with you in the coming weeks and seeing you at the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce events.

“Your membership is valuable to us and we look forward to embracing the evolution of the GBCCC to the GBGCC together. ”

Mr Smith also announced Ginho Europe Precision Manufacturing Co Ltd as the GBGCC 's first patron.

Ginho is a Burton-based manufacturer of fabricated metals for the automotive sector.

Managing director Shaun Gray, who is president of the Burton and District Chamber of Commerce, said: “We 're delighted to be a partner and founding patron of the new Global Chamber.

“As a company that trades internationally, being able to make connections with places like Mexico, Japan and other countries is very important for us.

“We 've never previously been able to find a global chamber so for Greater Birmingham to be leading on this is fantastic - particularly for us as a Midlands company. ”