Watford Chamber of Commerce has formed a partnership with Dacorum Borough Council to create the wider-ranging "South West Herts Chamber of Commerce".

Now businesses in Dacorum, Watford and surrounding areas will be able to benefit from a strong and proactive Chamber to help them prosper and network across the whole of south west Herts.

Chief Executive of the current Watford Chamber, Roger Gagan, said: "We are a powerful, independent voice for a vibrant business community, committed to generating benefits and opportunities for all our members.

"The enlarged Chamber will provide even more opportunities for our existing members to network in South West Herts and for all members to benefit from a wider circle of contacts."

The Chief Executive of Dacorum Borough Council, Daniel Zammit, said: "The creation of the South West Herts Chamber is part of the Council’s initiative to encourage economic growth by creating an environment in which it easy to do business in the area. The Chamber will definitely make Dacorum a better place in which to do business."

Roger added: "It's not just the company that joins the Chamber - every employee becomes a member, with opportunities to get involved and benefit personally and professionally from our extensive activities."

The new South West Herts Chamber of Commerce launches formally on January 2 and will be informally exhibiting at the "Dacorum - Look No Further" event at Shendish Manor on Friday, November 9.

Anyone joining the Chamber that day will receive 13 months membership for the price of 12, with no £55 joining fee.