Business representatives from the North East of England and Glasgow have travelled to Edinburgh courtesy of train operator Lumo for a major cross‑border networking event.
The event, held at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium on Thursday, was the first of its kind organised by the Chamber of Commerce.
It brought together more than 100 delegates from the North East of England, Glasgow, and Edinburgh for a morning of structured knowledge sharing and partnership building.
Businesses from across the North East of England and Scotland have travelled to Edinburgh courtesy of train operator Lumo for a major networking event (Image: Greg Macvean)
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.
“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.”
Businesses from across the North East of England and Scotland have travelled to Edinburgh courtesy of train operator Lumo for a major networking event (Image: Greg Macvean)
Attendees travelled to Edinburgh free of charge on Lumo’s high‑speed trains as “part of an effort to support sustainable business travel”.
Emma Reid, commercial director at Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, said: “This event is a great example of the strength we can unlock by working together across our chamber network.”
Ms Reid said: “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.
Businesses from across the North East of England and Scotland have travelled to Edinburgh courtesy of train operator Lumo for a major networking event (Image: Greg Macvean)
“This is just the beginning of a collaborative approach that will help our members build meaningful relationships, access new markets, and grow together.”
The event included an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes tour of Scotland’s national rugby stadium and a visit to the five‑star Fingal Hotel, a floating hotel and event venue permanently berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, owned by the Royal Yacht Britannia.
The Chamber Connect Edinburgh Murrayfield event is part of the North East chamber’s wider programme of events focused on supporting business growth and helping members enter new markets.
Richard Salkeld, director of communications and partnerships at Lumo, said: “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.
“Every day, our trains help connect people, places, and ideas, and we wanted to extend that thinking beyond the railway by helping create new opportunities for collaboration between businesses on both sides of the border.
“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.”
Mr Salkeld said: “We are proud to have supported this first‑of‑its‑kind event and to work alongside organisations such as the North East Chamber, Edinburgh Chamber, and Glasgow Chamber, whose commitment to collaboration mirrors our own.
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“We look forward to seeing the relationships and opportunities that emerge from the connections made in Edinburgh.”
Lumo has been recognised for its value for money, topping a recent national rail survey, and is among the top three long‑distance operators for overall customer satisfaction.
It is also the first in the country to eradicate plastic bottles on board.