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5 Critical Ways The Greater Manchester Chamber Is Shaping The North West Economy In 2025

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The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) remains the powerhouse voice for businesses across the North West, and its agenda for 2025 is tackling a complex economic landscape head-on. As of late 2025, the Chamber is navigating a period of significant uncertainty, as highlighted by its own recent economic data, while simultaneously launching critical initiatives to secure the region's long-term prosperity. This article dives into the most current and impactful activities of the GM Chamber, providing a fresh look at the challenges and opportunities defining the Greater Manchester business environment today.

The Chamber's influence extends far beyond networking events; it is a primary driver of regional policy, a crucial source of economic intelligence, and a vital support mechanism for thousands of businesses, from SMEs to major corporations. Its focus in 2025 is squarely on skills, economic resilience, and strategic growth, all while managing a challenging economic outlook that demands decisive leadership and innovative solutions.

The Challenging Economic Outlook: Q2 and Q3 2025 Analysis

The economic landscape in Greater Manchester is currently defined by a sense of caution, mirroring broader national trends. The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey results for Q2 2025 revealed a challenging outlook, indicating that the regional trend is aligned with national data showing the UK economy grew by a modest 0.3% in Q2 2025. This sluggish growth, coupled with concerning monthly fluctuations, has put the spotlight on the need for greater business support and strategic intervention.

  • Q2 2025 Economic Survey: The results highlighted a challenging business environment, with many firms facing persistent inflationary pressures and slow demand.
  • The GM Index: The Chamber continues to use the GM Index—its in-depth analysis of the Greater Manchester economy—to highlight key developments, trends, and forecasts that directly impact local businesses. The Q3 2025 Economic Review provided an update on the current state of the Greater Manchester economy, offering essential data for business planning.
  • ACCESS 2025 Conference: The Chamber's Annual Economic Growth Conference, ACCESS 2025, served as a vital forum to bring together business leaders to discuss the current economic health and strategies for navigating the "uncertainty" that currently rules the economic climate.

Despite the challenges, the Chamber remains a strong advocate for the region, focusing its efforts on building resilience and driving growth in key sectors like technology, advanced manufacturing, and professional services. The analysis suggests that while the immediate future is uncertain, strategic investments in skills and infrastructure will be crucial for a rebound.

Five Key Initiatives Driving Business Growth in 2025

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce is not merely reporting on the economy; it is actively working to reshape it through several high-impact programs and policy pushes. These initiatives are central to its strategic plan for 2022 to 2025, aiming to be the premier member-serving organisation in the region.

1. Driving Skills Through the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)

A major focus for the Chamber in 2025 is addressing the critical skills gap in the region. The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in developing and delivering the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for GM since Autumn 2022. The LSIP is a government-backed initiative designed to put employers at the heart of the skills system, ensuring that technical education and training provision aligns with the actual needs of local businesses.

  • Employer-Led Focus: The LSIP’s success hinges on gathering intelligence directly from businesses to identify and forecast the skills required for future economic growth.
  • Sectoral Priorities: Key sectors targeted by the LSIP include digital, green technology, and construction, aiming to create a workforce ready for the transformations expected in 2025 and beyond.

2. The Fully Funded Business Support Programme

In a direct response to the challenging economic outlook, a new, fully funded programme has been launched to help Greater Manchester businesses. This initiative is backed by the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the Department for Business and Trade, and delivered through the GM Business Growth Hub.

This programme provides essential resources, advice, and financial guidance, particularly for SMEs struggling with rising costs and supply chain issues. It represents a hands-on approach to business support, helping firms to not only survive the current climate but also to identify opportunities for efficiency and innovation.

3. Cultivating Future Leaders with 'Leadership Greater Manchester'

Investment in human capital is a long-term strategy for the Chamber. The Leadership Greater Manchester program, organised by the Chamber, is an annual initiative designed to familiarise emerging leaders with the complexities and opportunities within the Greater Manchester business ecosystem.

The Class of 2025, consisting of accomplished and dedicated professionals, is undergoing an intensive program that includes orientation, a retreat, and nine in-depth sessions. This program is crucial for ensuring a pipeline of skilled, informed, and connected leaders who can drive the region's future success and navigate complex issues like AI integration and digital transformation.

4. Amplifying Policy Advocacy and Business Voice

The Chamber acts as the primary conduit between the business community and local and national government bodies. In 2025, its policy advocacy has been focused on several critical areas:

  • Infrastructure Investment: Pushing for continued and accelerated investment in transport and digital infrastructure to support Greater Manchester's status as a major economic hub.
  • Business Rates Reform: Advocating for changes to the business rates system to reduce the financial burden on high-street businesses and manufacturers.
  • International Trade: Providing support and guidance for businesses navigating post-Brexit trade agreements and seeking new international markets.

This consistent and powerful policy engagement ensures that the needs of Greater Manchester businesses are heard at the highest levels of decision-making, directly influencing the regulatory environment.

5. Strengthening the Membership Base and Financial Foundation

The Chamber’s own operational resilience has been a focus in 2025. A review of the year noted that the organisation had to make difficult decisions to secure its future, suggesting a period of restructuring to ensure it stands on a stronger foundation moving into 2026. This internal focus is vital for maintaining the high-quality membership experiences that the Chamber aspires to provide.

The ongoing influx of new members, such as those welcomed in April 2025, is a positive indicator of the Chamber's continued relevance and value proposition. By expanding its network, the Chamber increases its collective voice and the range of expertise available to all members, strengthening the overall Greater Manchester business community.

The Greater Manchester Chamber's Enduring Legacy and Future Focus

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, with a legacy stretching back over a century, is more than just a trade body; it is an economic institution. Its current activities underscore a commitment to strategic, proactive intervention in the regional economy, moving beyond simple commentary to active development.

As the North West economy faces the uncertainties of the mid-2020s, the Chamber’s role in delivering the Local Skills Improvement Plan, providing fully funded business support, and cultivating the next generation of leaders through the Leadership Greater Manchester Class of 2025 is absolutely paramount. Businesses looking to thrive in this dynamic environment must engage with the Chamber's resources, from its detailed economic forecasts (the GM Index) to its extensive networking opportunities. The Chamber's work in 2025 is laying the crucial groundwork for sustained business growth and regional prosperity well into the next decade.

For any business operating in or looking to enter the North West, understanding the Chamber’s 2025 strategy is essential for navigating the complex economic currents and capitalising on the regional focus on skills, innovation, and resilience.

5 Critical Ways the Greater Manchester Chamber is Shaping the North West Economy in 2025
manchester chamber of commerce
manchester chamber of commerce

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