North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is celebrating after winning the Most Effective Campaigning award at the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Business Awards 2017 having triumphed over some of the largest Chambers in the country.
Babs Murphy, Chief Executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “Never in our wildest imagination did we expect the twists and turns that this campaign presented since the Chamber took a position to support the establishment of a Shale Gas Industry in Lancashire.
“Our support was based on the premise that if shale extraction is found to be commercially viable in Lancashire then we want local companies to be at the forefront of supply chains, and local residents to have first choice of employment opportunities. The Chamber believes that it is our responsibility – with partners – to ensure that the economic benefits are felt here in Lancashire.
“But our campaign went beyond a campaign. It has tested our grit, determination and values in standing up for the rights of businesses and workers to pursue new ventures in a responsible manner.”
Ms Murphy continued: “We believe this campaign encapsulates the core values upon which we were founded over 100 years ago, and are an amazing testament to the strength and resilience of our character today.”
The judges praised the Chamber’s teamwork and outreach to local and business communities. Despite the time consuming and emotional nature of the campaign, the team kept their objectives at the forefront, and their focus never ceased despite the adversity faced.
In congratulating the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Francis Egan, chief executive of Cuadrilla said: “We’re delighted that the British Chambers have recognised the achievement of Babs Murphy and her team in tenaciously supporting Cuadrilla and other Lancashire businesses in our journey to unlock the County’s energy prize.”
Despite facing challenges in their campaign for energy exploration in the county, the Chamber continued to make the economic case and worked to ensure that members and the wider business community should be at the forefront of supply chains, and local residents at the top of the list for job opportunities.
The President of the British Chambers of Commerce praised the Chambers by saying: “North and Western Lancashire Chamber has delivered an impressive campaign, led by the strength of the economic case, and always with the local business community at its heart. Despite considerable challenges, the Chamber has persevered and remained focused on their objective. Congratulations to the North and Western Lancashire team for this well-deserved win.”
The Chamber Business Awards, now in its 14th year, is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities.
