Network interlocks: The connected emergence of chambers of commerce and provincial banks in the British Isles, 1767-1823

Interlocking between the earliest 20 chambers of commerce in the British Isles and the partners of local provincial banks relied on similar needs for networks and trust. Two-thirds of banks and 40% of bank partners were members of their local chambers. Bank partners formed 8% of chamber memberships, and 39% held offices, indicating strong interlocking directorates. The interlocks provided a number of potential mutual benefits, influencing chamber services and lobby activity, and offering mutual signalling of brand and status. Interlocks with chartered banks were often also strong through managerial staff and some bank branches. Despite the general pattern, there were important exceptions (chiefly Manchester, Newcastle and Cork) where banks were less connected with early chambers.