The chamber of commerce

The Chamber of commerce is a non-profit organisation. Its activities seek to assist businesses to create wealth and jobs.

Five essential activities

Advice and assistance to companies : the primary role of the Chamber of commerce

The Chamber of commerce, with its network of contacts, can call upon a pool of experts, chosen for their experience and their practically-minded approach, to provide advice and assistance to businesses at critical stages (start-up, expansion, transfer, temporary difficulties, etc.). The Chamber of commerce also arranges any available government grants on behalf of the business (grants for investment, consultancy, employment, innovation, etc.) and coordinates contacts with the various parties involved (banks, Region, partners, etc.).

Providing a link between business and the public authorities : simplifying the day-to-day life of businesses

The regulatory and legal framework within which businesses must operate is complex. This, together with increasing restrictions of all types, require companies to be well informed and have good intermediaries.

Through its contacts with the various administrations and institutions, the Chamber of commerce can help companies to avoid many of the pitfalls and problems that await them in areas such as the environment, safety, government aid, e-business, company law, VAT, customs and excise, exports, trade name or brand protection, etc.

The “Guichet d’entreprise” (“Company help-desk”) is the official intermediary of the Public Authorities for regulatory issues.

Promoting entrepreneurship : encouraging business creation

The Chamber of commerce aims, through its targeted actions to:

• Give young people a taste for entrepreneurship, to dare to be different and creative (awareness-raising and information sessions in schools)
• Welcome entrepreneurs (advice on drawing up a business plan, sponsor networks, training of project promoters)
• Assist the initial development of new businesses (decision-making assistance, financing plan)

Continuing training for company managers : providing new skills and improving competitivity

The Chamber of commerce offers a wide range of practically-oriented courses for managers that encourage the sharing of experience, and the acquiring of genuine skills. The subjects covered are all management related: strategy, human resources, financial, exports, sales, organisation, safety, quality, etc.

The Chamber of commerce also specialises in organising tailor-made intra-company training courses.

Long term training programmes give participating businesses the advantage of personalised advice and assistance aimed at directly applying the subject matter taught:

• Plato: exchange of experience between SME’s and large enterprises
• The course at the Ecole Internationale des Entrepreneurs (International School of Entrepreneurs), developed in conjunction with the University of Liege, prepares managers to take over businesses.

Innovation : a necessity

The competitivity of a business depends on the quality of its product, its technical content and its sales force. Innovation, whether managerial, technological or marketing, provides additional protection to those companies that implement it.

The Chamber of commerce advises and assists businesses seeking to adopt an innovative approach by advising on the “state of the art”, identifying experts, obtaining government grants and establishing contacts with specialised technical centres. The Chamber of commerce also seeks to strengthen the links between educational establishments and businesses in order to better meet their requirements. Particular emphasis is currently being placed on technical, technological and scientific education.