Another sign of the times perhaps as, Techmesh, the IT and telecommunications business-to-business member network, has merged with the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Techmesh was originally set up and launched in 2010 by Connect Yorkshire on the back of Yorkshire Forward’s initiative to set up an IT and telecoms B2B member network for the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Since its launch, Techmesh has grown its membership to more than 160, including 08Direct and Core Telecom.

“The acquisition of the Techmesh operation fits well with our strategy of providing sector-specific support,” said the chamber’s head of membership Darren Shaw.

“This was a great opportunity for us to acquire an established brand and specialist expertise to complement the services we offer to the business community.”

Helen Silverman, membership development manager for Techmesh, added: “This is an exciting time for Techmesh as we plan the future of the network. We can now reach a much wider business audience as well as offer our members a more bespoke membership package to include chamber membership benefits.”

As a key member of Yorkshire’s business community, 08Direct is a member of both Techmesh and the Leeds, York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, so we’ll watch the merger with interest.