Championing Sydney as a competitive global city

About Business Sydney

Over 195 years in business

Who We Are

Business Sydney is the voice for business in Sydney. We advocate, influence and deliver policies and outcomes to drive economic growth and create opportunities to invest, work, live and visit our city.  For nearly two hundred years, we have worked to advance Sydney as a global, competitive and liveable city.

Our network includes leading businesses across financial and professional services, construction and development, health, education, arts and culture, tourism and hospitality, as well as technology, transport, and logistics. Through our association with Business NSW and Business Australia we also influence and deliver on a state and national platform.

Business Sydney can proudly trace its history to 1826 when the Sydney Chamber of Commerce was established as the first organisation of its kind in the fledgling colony. In 2006 we became the Sydney Business Chamber and now to reflect our broader reach, influence, and strength we have transformed to become Business Sydney – the voice of business in Sydney.

Our reach, influence and strength has grown, making our role more critical to Sydney’s future. We are now Business Sydney.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES TO INVEST, WORK, LIVE AND VISIT

Our priorities include:

driving jobs and economic growth
enhancing social and cultural value and life
reforming and accelerating state and local planning
delivering sustainable urban renewal and precincts
creating Sydney as a domestic and international destination
attracting trade, talent and investment.

We drive the economic, social, and cultural growth of Sydney as a global city with a strong reputation, knowledge and capability in jobs and technology, advanced manufacturing, international education, tourism and the arts. Business Sydney shapes government policy and delivers outcomes that create opportunities to invest, work, live and visit our city. 

history timeline

2021 2011 2007 2006 1995 1912 1895 1885 1826

2021

Sydney Business Chamber became Business Sydney

To reflect its broader reach, influence, and strength Sydney Business Chamber transformed to become Business Sydney – the voice of business in Sydney.

2011

Sydney Business established an office in Western Sydney

Supporting the growth in Western Sydney this new office provided a valuable presence and connection to this growing area. Established Western Sydney First membership offering.

2007

ABL/State Chamber changed its name to the NSW Business Chamber

2006

Australian Business Limited merged with the State Chamber of Commerce (NSW) to become Australian Business Limited (incorporating the State Chamber of Commerce) then later ABL/State Chamber.
The former State Chamber of Commerce changed its name to Sydney Chamber of Commerce

The name change echoing the original concept of the Chamber of Commerce that applied when it started in 1826.

Sydney Chamber of Commerce became a division of NSW Business Chamber and changed its name to Sydney Business Chamber

This change signalled a shift in focus for the Chamber with efforts now concentrated solely on shaping Sydney’s future as a leading and well-rounded global city.

Launched the Sydney First membership offering.

1995

Chamber of Manufactures of NSW broke its tie with MMI

Chamber of Manufactures sold its shares of the company and changed its name to Australian Business Limited. The sale of MMI shares made Australia Business Limited one of the most well-funded business organisations in Australia.

1912

Chamber of Manufactures of NSW set up the Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company (now MMI)

The insurance company arm was established primarily to indemnify employers against claims that might be made by their employees who were injured at work, and was in direct response to the new Workmen's Compensation Act of 1910.

1895

Chamber of Manufactures of NSW adopted a new constitution

Maintained a non-political stance to champion the broader interests of NSW businesses.

1885

Chamber of Manufactures of NSW was founded

Founded to lobby on behalf of its members, primarily for a better deal on tariff policies.