Archive project delves into 209 years of Chamber history
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has published independent research delving into some of the highlights from 209 years of connecting, supporting, and growing businesses.
The GBCC has a rich and diverse history spanning over 200 years, forming in 1813 to bring together and support local businesses.
The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the first organisation of its kind in Britain, providing businesses with a legitimate voice that could influence government policy as well as encouraging businesses to network with each other to grow industry and commerce.
Three blogs will be published as a weekly series focusing on different aspects of Chamber archives on every Friday, starting today.
Evie Talbot, a history student at Chamber patron, University of Birmingham, has undertaken a History and Media Placement at the Chamber to review, organise and conducted further research into some of the items preserved in the Chamber archives.
Evie said: “From economic reviews to promotional gifts from across the world, the archives reveal the huge role the Chamber has played during the last two hundred years. They have allowed Birmingham to thrive as a centre of industry by bringing local businesses together as well as bringing about national and international opportunities for growth.
“They have supported members through world wars and multiple economic crises in the 20th century, and by developing relations with other Chambers throughout the world, they created opportunities for international cooperation and trade which continue today.
“Birmingham Chamber functioned as peacemaker between trade unions and the government in the late 1900s and have consistently served as a legitimate political voice for businesses, influencing governmental policy and creating meaningful change.
“Through my research, I have drawn out key documents which I think offers the best understanding of the influence of the Chamber and key achievements made during their long history.
“It has been incredible to see how they have shaped the way that industry in Birmingham has developed and how their role has changed and adapted through different economic and political climates.
“In 2022, it is possible to see how the original values of support and growth that have always defined the Birmingham Chamber continue to be true, and how important they still are in the commercial life of the region.
“Looking through the Chamber 's archives has been a great opportunity to look at the development of Birmingham into a city of industry and commerce, and the role that the Chamber has played in supporting businesses and achieving growth. ”
For more about the history of the Chamber, read Evie 's first blog post here. Further blogs delving into the Chamber 's archives will be published over the coming weeks.
Pictured: The old Chamber of Commerce building in New Street, which the organisation occupied from 1916 until 1960