The merger of two of the region's biggest business organisations has triggered the expansion of a successful commercial tendering service, designed to stimulate the sharing of new business opportunities between Yorkshire companies.

The scheme, which has already been successfully rolled out to companies in Leeds, has created almost 800 new business opportunities since its launch in 2007, on contracts with individual values of up to £35,0001.

Under the scheme, tenders available across a range of industry sectors will be posted on a central forum shared by 3,000 member companies in Yorkshire.

The service is the first of a range of new benefits set be launched by the combined organisation.

Shaun Watts, President for York & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The new Chamber is ideally positioned to support the diverse range of businesses throughout the region and the commercial tendering service is one of many ways we are looking to enhance the commercial support we offer.

"We are a private - not public sector organisation - which acts for the best interest of our members and therefore can speak freely and lobby hard. The only people we have to answer to are the businesses in our region - and we will continue to make the decisions that will benefit them all."

"We will continue to work on a local level, maintaining our offices in Leeds and York and our understanding of local business needs, whilst providing an enlarged portfolio of services spanning networking, training and company development opportunities."

Merger plans between the Leeds and York & North Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce and Industry were announced at the start of September.

Gary Lumby, President of the Leeds Chamber, said: "The new Chamber is a combination of expertise and experience. It is our aim to be the voice of business representing our members' needs on a regional, national and international level. The merger positions us with much greater influence and provides stronger representation for the region; from increased tendering opportunities and government lobbying to ensuring policy and decision makers are listening to the diverse requirements of organisations across Yorkshire."

With more than 3,000 members and affiliates, the new Chamber will speak for over half a million employees. The intention is to retain all staff currently employed by the Chamber, with some reallocation of responsibilities to reflect the new organisation.