Working together, the Partnership is looking to establish a Penistone Chamber of Commerce and Trade to represent the views of all Penistone businesses. To take this initiative forward, a business forum meeting was held at Cubley Hall on Tuesday 1st March from 8 till 9.30am. Thanks go to John Wigfield for providing the venue and kind hospitality.

The event included a presentation by Chris Prescott of STEP Associates on the Penistone and District Community Partnership managed workspace outline feasibility study. This was followed by a presentation by Gail Stephenson, West Yorkshire Advisor for the Yorkshire and Humber Chamber of Commerce on the subject of setting up Otley Chamber of Commerce and Trade and how it succeeds in giving its members a co-ordinated voice.

Also present at the meeting were Barry Stones and Linda Darlington of Barnsley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Steve Gill of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce and Ann Glews of Barnsley Development Agency.

Following the two presentations it was agreed that the setting up of a Penistone Chamber of Commerce would be the best way forward to represent the views of local businesses. Approximately 20 companies attended the meeting, of which, six volunteered to form a steering group to take this initiative forward and determine how it is to be achieved.

For further information about the Penistone Chamber of Commerce and Trade, please contact Mr Barry Stones on Tel: 01226 217770 or e-mail bstones@barnsleychamber.co.uk