Devon Chamber of Commerce

Incorporating the Exeter and Plymouth Chambers of Commerce, the Devon Chamber of Commerce (DC) supports Devon businesses through the running of networking events, providing a variety of business support services, including running workshops and other training events.

DC is also an active member of British Chambers of Commerce South West, allowing for DC to work with the rest of the South West’s business leaders to help promote, and be the voice of, Devon businesses.

Members of DC vary from start-ups to large enterprises and the membership benefits available are tailored to suit each size of business.

Businesses can become patrons or partners of DC and subsequently become fully involved in assisting DC to customize and provide events and training that are beneficial to members.

As an example, Partners such as Exeter University, Petroc College and the Enterprise Solutions programme at the University of Plymouth, provide training and support based on members’ needs and requirements for CPD.

DC also regularly hold ‘Pitch and Procure’ events which give members a platform to showcase their business to patrons, partners and investors.

One-to-one support from DC’s membership team is also available where they work alongside the Heart of the South West Growth Hub to provide targeted business support.

DC also provide a Chamber Finance Finder platform to assist members in raising capital, accessing funding and to answer accounting & tax questions.

DC is also an approved gateway organisation for the Kickstart fund, which is the scheme for hiring employees fully funded by the Government.

Membership of the DC also gives access to a library of template documents to help support a business, including HR, Legal, Health & Safety and Accounting & Tax.

Members are promoted through DC’s Member Directory, a weekly newsletter and quarterly magazine and are celebrated in the annual DC Devon Business Awards, which has categories such as “Start-Up Star”, “Creative Business of the Year”, “Manufacturer of the Year” and “Inclusive Business of the Year” .

For Emma Kirkpatrick, our Devon-based Trade Mark Attorney, the DC networking events have been invaluable. They are held in beautiful locations across the county and are attended by a wide range of businesses.

Specialised intellectual property (IP) advice is not typically offered by the majority of Devon-based law firms and so the DC networking events are an ideal opportunity for Emma to assist attendees with their IP-related questions and concerns. They are also an opportunity for Emma to get to know DC members and to share knowledge and information in a supportive environment.

The networking events are very informal, allowing attendees to mingle and chat without any of the awkwardness that some networking events can create. The organisers of the events are always incredibly welcoming, putting attendees at ease straight away and the networking is lead in a smooth and enjoyable manner.

SH&P exhibit annually at the ‘Devon Business Show‘ (staged by the Devon Chamber of Commerce) and we very much enjoy meeting the diverse range of exhibitors and visitors that attend.  We look forward to welcoming you to our stand at the forthcoming show in October.

For more information about DC, you can visit their website here.