Membership

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Chamber Constitution

WNNCC Constitution

Adopted 09/05/2025 at AGM

1. Name

The organisation shall be known as the Wellingborough & North Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, hereafter referred to as “the Chamber.”

2. Area of Operation

The Chamber serves and represents businesses and organisations located within, or with commercial interests in, the wider region of North Northamptonshire, including but not limited to Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby, Desborough, Rothwell, Rushden, Higham Ferrers, Irthlingborough, Oundle, Raunds and Thrapston.

3. Objectives

The objectives of the Chamber are to:

  1. Represent, protect, and advance the commercial, industrial and professional interests of its members.
  2. Promote and celebrate local businesses, encouraging economic development and business growth across the region.
  3. Attract investment and promote North Northamptonshire as a thriving and strategic place to do business.
  4. Engage with legislation, policy, and planning proposals that affect the business environment and act as a collective voice on behalf of members.
  5. Facilitate knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas among members.
  6. Build a strong, inclusive community of businesspeople who support one another through fellowship and mutual opportunity.
  7. Form strategic partnerships and affiliations that support the Chamber’s aims.

4. Membership

(a) Full Membership

Open to all businesses, trades, and professional organisations operating within North Northamptonshire, subject to Executive Committee approval and, if required, satisfactory references.

(b) Associate Membership

Available to individuals with a strong interest or past involvement in the local business community, subject to Executive Committee approval.

(c) Representation

Each member organisation may nominate multiple individuals to engage in Chamber activities, but each member organisation is entitled to one vote in Chamber matters. Proxy and postal voting is permitted with prior written notice.

(d) Honorary & Life Membership

The Executive Committee may propose individuals for Honorary Membership or Life Membership at the AGM, in recognition of outstanding service to the Chamber or local business community.

(e) Register of Members

A register shall be maintained listing all current members and basic business information.

(f) Termination of Membership

Membership may end if:

  1. The member resigns in writing.
  2. The subscription is more than three months overdue (subject to committee agreement).
  3. The Executive Committee, by resolution, determines it is in the Chamber’s best interest.
    In such cases, the member shall receive at least 21 days’ notice and be given the opportunity to respond.

5. Membership Subscriptions

  1. Annual subscriptions are payable on acceptance and renew on 1st March each year.
  2. Membership fees are set by the Executive Committee and approved at the AGM or an EGM.
  3. Members joining after 1st September may pay a reduced rate (50%), as determined by the committee.
  4. Subscription rates shall be published on the Chamber website and updated as required.

6. Executive Committee

(a) Composition

The Executive Committee shall consist of:

  • President
  • Deputy President
  • Vice President
  • Immediate Past President
  • Honorary Treasurer
  • Honorary Secretary
  • Up to eight elected members

(b) Eligibility & Re-Election

Elected members serve one-year terms and may stand for re-election at the AGM.
Past Presidents who maintain membership may stand automatically, subject to having attended a minimum of five meetings in the previous year.

(c) Co-option

The Executive Committee may co-opt additional members to support specific functions or fill vacancies.

(d) Voting & Disputes

In the event of a tied vote, the President (or chair of the meeting) shall have the casting vote. The Executive Committee’s decisions are binding.

(e) Responsibilities

The Executive Committee is responsible for all decisions relating to the management, representation, and advancement of the Chamber and its members.

7. Elections

  1. Elections for the Executive Committee shall be held annually at the AGM.
  2. Nominations must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the AGM.
  3. All nominees must confirm their willingness to stand before being included.

8. Meetings

(a) Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Held annually in April. Notices and nomination forms will be issued 10 days prior. The agenda will be available on the day.

(b) Executive Committee Meetings

Held at least four times per year. A quorum is four elected members.

(c) General Meetings

Held at least twice a year (typically in September and January), with additional meetings scheduled as required.

(d) Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs)

May be called:

  • By resolution of the Executive Committee
  • By written request of seven or more members, stating the business to be transacted

(e) Voting

All members are entitled to vote at General Meetings, AGMs, and EGMs. In the event of a tie, the chair will have a second and final vote.

9. Amendments to the Constitution

Changes to this Constitution must be proposed and approved at an AGM or EGM.
A copy of the Constitution shall be made available to all members.

10. Finance

  1. The Treasurer shall prepare annual accounts to 28 February each year.
  2. Accounts will be reviewed by the Executive and presented for adoption at the AGM.
  3. All Chamber funds shall be held in a bank account in the Chamber’s name.
  4. Signatories shall include any two of the Treasurer, President, or Secretary.
  5. Payments exceeding £100 require Executive approval.
  6. A quorum of four Executive Members is required to authorise expenditure.
  7. The Chamber shall appoint its bankers, solicitor, and accountant annually at the AGM.

11. Income & Property

  1. All income and property must be used exclusively to further the Chamber’s objectives.
  2. Executive Members may be reimbursed for legitimate expenses incurred on Chamber business.
  3. Chamber funds may be designated for specific initiatives with Executive approval.
  4. No profit shall be distributed to members, except:
    • In the form of legitimate payment for goods or services
    • As part of a member benefit available to all members

12. Disputes & Interpretation

  1. Matters not addressed by this Constitution shall be determined by the Executive Committee.
  2. In the case of disputes between members regarding Chamber activities, parties must first attempt mediation before pursuing legal action.

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