The two Chambers are currently holding merger talks which, if successful, would give their members a more powerful voice, greater influence and additional commercial opportunities, bosses argue.

With more than 3,000 members and affiliates, the new joint Chamber would speak for over half a million employees.

Leeds Chamber is the senior partner in the planned merger in terms of size - with around 50 staff to around seven in York - but bosses in Leeds have been anxious to emphasise that the York Chamber will not loses its identity.

Leeds Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Gary Williamson, will hold a similar role within the merged organisations while his counterpart in York will step down.

Members of both Chambers will be asked to approve the merger on September 29 when Leeds holds its annual meeting and an extraordinary general meeting is held in York.

It is hoped the merger will then take effect from October 1.

Mr Williamson said the merger would lead to new jobs being created rather than posts being shed.

Leeds Chamber President, and former chief executive of Leeds Co-operative Society, Alan Gill, added: "This would be an extremely positive move for our members who will benefit from the enhanced range of support services, advice and business opportunities the merged Chamber will bring.

"Members will range from those located in the heart of major cities like Leeds and York to those based in villages in the Dales and seaside towns. They all face similar challenges and share fundamental needs which would be more effectively addressed under the new arrangement."

Incoming President for York and North Yorkshire, Shaun Watts, says he is confident the move will be good for York and North Yorkshire member companies and for the region's economy.

He said: "The combined Chamber would be one of the most powerful voices speaking for business across the whole of Leeds, York and North Yorkshire.

"In the present economic climate, with companies facing challenges on many fronts, there is real benefit to be had from strength in numbers."

Leeds Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1785 and became the first body in the country to bear the name Chamber of Commerce. In 1861 it became one of the founding members of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce.

Its current policy priorities include the continued economic development of Leeds, business crime, education, red tape and regulation and transport issues.