Club aims to boost town's prosperity.

A BUSINESS club has been established in Merthyr Tydfil with the aim of boosting the town's economy.

Set up with the support of the local authority, the Merthyr Tydfil Business Club will create a network for businesses, ensure the business community is involved with development opportunities in the town and support and promote the town's businesses, local procurement and supply chain opportunities.

Around 50 representatives from a range of sectors attended the launch of the club, which included digital media companies, tourism businesses, social enterprises, re-taiowners, construction companies, accountants and civil engineers.

Robert Taylor, of accountancy firm BTP Associates, said the new organisation was interested in working along the lines of Continental trade centres. These encourage businesses to work together and trade together, and promote local supply chains.

The club would also foster business development, with a programme of speakers to benefit companies, particularly SMEs.

He said: "Working together is fundamental for success where businesses share best practice and good ideas, rather than compete against each other. It is particularly important in the current economic climate that we buy and supply locally so the benefits remain in the local economy."

He said the club would be keen to welcome businesses from other areas of the Heads of the Valleys.

Jeff Edwards, leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, said: "It was good to see such a great and growing business representation at the official launch of the Merthyr Tydfil Business Club.

"The business club can provide a strong voice for local businesses and an invaluable networking opportunity, helping businesses collaborate."