FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

This page has a list of common frequently asked questions about the Chamber and our answers to them.

What does the Chamber do?

The Chamber of Commerce is an independent company owned and run by its members. We are a business support organisation that aims to assist and develop the growth of your business through various initiatives, such as advice on HR, Health and Safety, Business Networking, workforce development and Legal advice.

Please contact the membership team for further details on how we are able to assist and support you on 01709 386 200.

Are you connected to the council/government?

The Chamber is not part of any council or local government. However, we have close relationships with Barnsley and Rotherham Councils as key strategic partners, and our status as a member of the British Chambers of Commerce opens doors direct to Central Government.

How can I get involved with the Chamber?

The Chamber is a very proactive organisation in getting its members more involved with the business community. This can be done through attending networking events, seminars, approaching the Chamber to host seminars, sponsorship, and through our extensive network of working groups.

Our working groups include Policy & Membership Action Group, Construction, Transport, Women in Business and Manufacturing; and we are also involved in retail groups in both Barnsley and Rotherham.

Call us on 01709 386 200 to get involved.

How much is it to join the Chamber?

The cost of membership is down to you! You can assess the packages and simply pick the one which suits you best. This way you will get the most out of your membership. The membership levels are:

  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Platinum
  • Diamond
  • Patrons

Please call the membership team on 01709 386 200 for further details.

How can I pay for my membership?

Payment can be made annually, quarterly or monthly by direct debit, bacs, cheque or credit card.

What type of businesses can join the Chamber?

We welcome all types of businesses from both the private and public sectors; all sizes of businesses – from those with just one person working from home to large, international corporate companies.

Do we have to meet a criteria to join?

We do expect our member companies to be legal and law abiding but apart from that, everyone is welcome.

How long is membership?

Membership is for a minimum of 12 months from the date of joining.

What do the different membership levels give me?

There are four core levels of membership –  Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond – and we also have a Patronage package.

Businesses are encouraged to look at the different membership packages and choose the most appropriate level of membership for themselves and their businesses.

These business support packages will assist you in various areas, such as:

  • HR
  • Health & Safety
  • Legal Issues
  • Compliance
  • International Trade
  • Inter-trading
  • Rasing your profile of your business
  • Discounted services

How can I promote myself through the Chamber?

The Chamber offers promotional opportunities for members through its electronic publications.

These are:

  • The Chamber Bulletin – Online publication distributed four times a year in January, April, July and October.

Our editorial policy is that content will always have a substantive factual/news/information platform. This means that whenever member companies are featured, the material will not be promotional in nature but will deal with solid business achievements such as:

  • New contracts
  • New investment
  • Innovative products or services
  • Amalgamations, buyouts and mergers
  • Recent business/personal awards
  • Innovative new business start-ups

Case studies highlighting how member companies have taken advantage of business advice, grants or other assistance from national, regional or local government sources will be featured as appropriate.

Promotion through Chamber Bulletin magazine can also be in the form of adverts.

To submit a news story, call the PR team on 01709 386 200 or e-mail [email protected]

What events are available?

At the Chamber we offer a wide variety of events, from business related seminars to networking events, all of which give you the option of attending early in the morning, lunchtime or in the evening to suit your diary.

Where can I find out what events are coming up?

The best way to stay informed on what events are happening throughout the year is to check the Events section regularly on this website or in the monthly events e-newsletter sent to all members. If you’re not a member of the Chamber and you wish to receive updates you are able to join our mailing list located in our website footer.

How do I book onto events?

Event bookings are taken through this website on our Events section. Payment are taken by card when booking via the website. Invoices can be requested by contacting [email protected]

What events can I attend?

As a member of the Chamber you can attend all our events at a discounted rate or free of charge (depending on the event).

Can non-members attend events?

Members may invite non-member guests to Chamber events and there are no restrictions as to how many guests they invite to any one event, or how many times guests can attend.

Can I sponsor an event?

Yes. We have sponsorship packages available for all our events ranging from networking, through to our prestigious black tie events such as the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards.

Contact the Events team on 01709 386 200 for further information.

How do I get a listing on the Business Directory?

Business Directory listings are for Chamber members only.
Login details will be provided when your membership has been processed.