History of the Chamber

1850 - Liverpool Chamber was founded. References to a Chamber existing in Liverpool as early as the mid-18th century exist, but no records from this organisation itself have survived.

1900 - Chamber membership stood at 807

1907 - 1911 - Changes in British working practices during this period included the introduction of old age pensions, National Health Insurance and Labour Exchanges. The Chamber carried out a census of production, as well as proposing Workmen's Compensation and profit sharing schemes. It also lobbied for the provision of factory sites to fill a gap in Liverpool's economy.

1912 - The Chamber negotiated an improvement in telephone services. This resulted in the nationalisation of Britain's telephone networks.

1914-1918 - First World War. The Chamber undertook a recruitment campaign known as the Chamber of Commerce Scheme. This led directly to the national call-up system.

1920 - The International Chamber of Commerce was founded.

1924 - The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act was passed. This was the culmination of much effort by the Chamber's Commercial Law Society.

1936 - The Chamber moved from Exchange Buildings to its present site in Old Hall Street.

1939 - 1945 - Second World War. The Chamber was involved with air raid precautions, national defense, black-out tests and conscription. It also addressed the increasing problems of maintaining trade and commerce in a city as heavily bombed as Liverpool. Immediately after the war, issues like war damage payments, employment policies and rebuilding the city and docks were tackled.

1950 - The Chamber's centenary was celebrated with a reception at Liverpool Town Hall and a service at Liverpool Cathedral.

1961 - The Waterfront Commission was created. This covered the interests of traders associated with the Mersey Docks & Harbour Board, Ship Owners, Master Porters and other port organisations.

1966 - First Chamber Overseas Trade Mission, to the Middle East.

1967 - Second Overseas Trade Mission, to East and Central Africa. Regular missions all around the world have since taken place, resulting in considerable export businesses for participants.

1972 - The Chamber introduced a computerised payroll service for its members. In the same year it changed its name to Merseyside Chamber of Commerce, anticipating the 1974 formation of Merseyside County Council.

Late 1970s to mid 1980s - Despite a declining local population and reduced business base, the Chamber continued to promote trade and regeneration within the city.

1992 - The Chamber reverted to its original title of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce. This was a recognition of Liverpool's international reputation and the mainly UK significance of 'Merseyside'.

1997 - Liverpool Chamber was elected to the Network of Approved Chambers of Commerce, part of the British Chambers of Commerce. This organisation pools the resources of accredited chambers around the country to improve and expand services on offer to members.

2000 - Infopool, now called Business Liverpool, the information gateway for business support and advice opened at 8 Chapel Street in the city centre. The Chamber also celebrated its 150th year.

2001 - to present - Launch of a number of key business services, including Chamber Utilities, Chamber Telecom, Chamber Healthcare, Chamber4Learning and Chamber Tender Alert has helped to secure a growing membership.

Refurbishment of offices at Number One Old Hall Street.

Secured contracts and launched projects including COMPETE, MerseyBroadband, Skillworks and Entrepreneurship Commission.

Successfully passed reaccredidation of the BCC with flying colours.

Appointment of David Wade-Smith as Chair and Jack Stopforth as CEO.