More than 100 business delegates from the North East of England, Edinburgh, and Glasgow gathered at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on June 25, 2026, for a first-of-its-kind Chamber Connect networking event organized by the Chamber of Commerce. The cross-border event, supported by train operator Lumo, aimed to foster collaboration and expand professional networks beyond regional boundaries.
Event Details and Activities
The morning session featured structured knowledge sharing and partnership building. Attendees traveled free of charge on Lumo's high-speed trains and enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Scotland's national rugby stadium, as well as a visit to the five-star Fingal Hotel, a floating hotel permanently berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, owned by the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Quotes from Organizers
Tim Marsden, knowledge manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: "This first-of-its-kind Chamber Connect event was a fantastic opportunity to bring together businesses from across the North East of England, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Events like this help members make valuable new connections, share ideas and open doors to future partnerships." He added, "We were delighted to work alongside our Chamber colleagues in Scotland to deliver this event and very many thanks to our official travel partner Lumo for providing complimentary return train travel."
Emma Reid, commercial director at Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, stated: "This event is a great example of the strength we can unlock by working together across our Chamber network. We know that making connections is the number one reason businesses engage with us, so bringing our Edinburgh, Glasgow and North East communities together creates even more opportunities - locally, nationally, and across the UK."
Lumo's Role and Impact
Lumo provided complimentary return rail travel for North East Chamber members, making the event accessible and supporting sustainable business travel. According to a recent national rail survey, Lumo topped the league table for value for money and is among the top three long-distance operators for overall customer satisfaction. It is also the first operator in the UK to eliminate plastic bottles on board. An economic impact study by ARUP estimates that Lumo will deliver benefits of between £340 million and £375 million from launch to the end of its track access agreement in 2033.
Richard Salkeld, Director of Communications & Partnerships at Lumo, commented: "As an operator that proudly connects communities, businesses and opportunities across the UK, it was natural for Lumo to suggest bringing together the North East, Edinburgh and Glasgow Chambers for a cross-border networking event." He emphasized, "Stronger connections lead to stronger economies, and there is enormous potential for organisations in Scotland and the North East of England to learn from one another, develop new partnerships and unlock future growth."
Future Prospects
The Chamber Connect Edinburgh Murrayfield event is part of the North East Chamber's ongoing programme to support business growth, strengthen connections, and help members access new markets and opportunities. Organizers expressed hope for future collaborations that will create more opportunities and support economic growth across the regions.
