TAVISTOCK Chamber of Commerce is the first chamber in the area to sign up to an innovative new membership scheme launched by Plymouth Chamber, becoming its first affiliate member. It means Tavistock chamber members will now have direct access to a number of Plymouth chamber benefits. As the only Devon-based accredited member of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) network, Plymouth chamber has unique access to senior government ministers, policy makers, a network of over 80,000 UK businesses and 40 overseas markets. Through its affiliation with Plymouth chamber, Tavistock chamber members will now be able to participate in the BCC network and gain limited access to its associated benefits. David Parlby, of Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, said: 'By offering this affiliate membership to other, smaller chambers of commerce across the county we hope to extend the benefits of Plymouth chamber membership to businesses across the South West Peninsula. 'A strong business community is a vital catalyst in securing economic growth, and we hope that by encouraging a peninsula chamber movement we can have greater impact on lobbying issues as we speak with a single voice.' Nigel Eadie, chairman of Tavistock Chamber of Commerce said: 'Becoming an affiliate member of Plymouth chamber will open up members of Tavistock chamber to a host of additional benefits. 'I'm looking forward to seeing the wider local economy grow as a result of the combined support and relationship offer to businesses in Tavistock and Plymouth.'