Over 100 years of being at the heart of Lancashire.

A relative newcomer to the chambers of commerce movement, which began in France in 1783, the Chamber was formed as the Preston and District Chamber of Commerce in 1916.

The decision to form a chamber came about after a meeting of Preston businessmen at the town hall where it was felt an organisation was required to deal with the day-to-day complications and problems arising from increasing government regulations.

Since then, the Chamber has been renamed twice, with the Central and West Lancashire Chamber being replaced by the current name and relocating to Fulwood after two decades in Camden Place, off Winckley Square.

The Chamber’s signature business awards event, The BIBAs (Be Inspired Business Awards), started life in 2000 and has since entertained over 25,000 people with guest appearances from celebrities such as including Eamonn Holmes, Stephanie Beacham, Simon Callow, Russell Watson, Peter Andre and Lulu.

The Chamber 100th birthday celebrations 2016 included a civic proclamation on Preston’s Flag Market and reception on the House of Commons Terrace on March 2 2020, the date of the Chamber’s first meeting 100 years ago.