Two of the south's biggest business organisations have signed an agreement to work more closely.

Around 200 businesses in and around Salisbury are set to benefit from an association agreement with Hampshire Chamber of Commerce.

The firms are all members of Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry which has struck the deal to open up greater networking, marketing and lobbying clout.

Under the agreement, members of both chambers will have collective access to reciprocal services and events.

Andrew Finney, Hampshire chamber president, said: “As the independent voice of business across our county, we welcome our Salisbury neighbours. This agreement is about working closer together for the benefit of our respective memberships. It a great chance for Hampshire businesses to extend their reach and contacts westwards.”

Mr Finney and his Salisbury counterpart, Andrew Rhind-Tutt, met with directors from both organisations for a joint signing of the agreement at The Museum of Army Flying, Middle Wallop, a Hampshire Chamber member.

Mr Rhind-Tutt, who runs the serviced office business The Meeting Place and is a former mayor and founder of the Amesbury Museum and Heritage Trust, said the aim was to give city and Hampshire members the best possible networking and business opportunities with the largest number of businesses at no extra cost plus a greater say on local issues.

He added: “This is an exciting leap forward for the Chamber especially for many of our smaller, independent businesses. This new association agreement gives us a louder, clearer voice by putting all of us in touch with a much bigger network of support than we have ever had before. This includes cross-promotion of events and international trade support.”

The first of a series of joint networking events involving both chambers takes place at Marshall BMW in Salisbury on Wednesday, September 27. The freeevent includes a business card draw with the chance to win one of the latest BMWs for a weekend.

To book, email events.north@hampshirechamber.co.uk.