THREE of the region's leading accredited Chambers of Commerce have come together to launch the Wessex Chamber Alliance and are asking for more say in any future devolution discussions.

The new partnership brings together Business West, Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

The Alliance has been established as discussions around devolution and future governance arrangements gather pace across the South West.

It is hoped the new strategic partnership will provide a strong, coordinated and representative voice for business across the Wessex region.

The launch was accompanied by an open letter from the alliance to local leaders and MPs calling for business to have a formal and meaningful role in the development and governance of any future Wessex devolution settlement.

The letter argues that devolution can only deliver its full potential if business is embedded in decision making from the beginning rather than being consulted after key decisions have already been made.

The letter states: “The proposed devolution arrangements must not become a discussion solely between central Government and local authorities.

“If the purpose of devolution is to create stronger local economies, then the voices of the businesses that power those economies must be central to the process.

“Our members consistently tell us that there remains a significant gap between the ambitions expressed in local growth strategies and the day-to-day experience of businesses seeking to invest, recruit, expand and create jobs.

“Too often, businesses find themselves consulted after key decisions have already been made rather than being involved in shaping priorities from the beginning.”

The letter added: “This is not about creating another layer of consultation. It is about ensuring that decisions affecting growth are informed by those who create jobs, attract investment and generate prosperity within our communities.”

Representing thousands of businesses across the wider Wessex economy, the Alliance wants to work collaboratively with government, local authorities and other regional partners to help shape a prosperous future for the region.

In a joint statement, Douglas Ure, chief executive of Business West, Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber of Commerce, and David Crew, managing director of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “Devolution presents a once in a generation opportunity to shape the future of the Wessex economy.

“Businesses create jobs, attract investment, develop skills and generate prosperity in communities across our region, so it is essential that their voice is heard as plans develop.

“The Wessex Chamber Alliance has been created to provide a constructive and coordinated business voice that can work alongside government, local authorities and other partners.

“Our ambition is to ensure that employers are involved in shaping regional priorities from the outset and that decision makers have access to real time business insight grounded in the experiences of firms operating across the region.

“Our role is not to duplicate existing structures but to bring together the collective expertise, reach and influence of the Chamber network to support sustainable economic growth and help unlock the full potential of the Wessex region.”