Leeds Media becomes the media arm of Leeds Chamber of Commerce and, as a result of the deal, the chamber's membership will increase by 170 members to 2,240.

Gary Williamson, acting chief executive of Leeds Chamber said: "We are delighted to be joining forces with Leeds Media. By combining the strengths of both organisations, we will be creating one of the strongest membership organisations in the north of England offering an impressive range of advice, information and benefits to all our members."

Leeds Media keeps its name and will develop its job search message board which aims to become the hub for media and marketing job vacancies across Yorkshire.

Gary McCall, who is the chairman of Leeds Media, said the move would offer significant benefits to Leeds Media members.

He added: "This is an exciting time for Leeds Media, especially as Leeds is one of the fastest growing media and new media centres in the UK.

"We will continue to promote the city and the Yorkshire region as an outstanding centre of creative expertise and, together with an expanded range of benefits for our members, we're looking forward to a bright future."

Leeds Media members will have access to services and benefits that members of Leeds Chamber already enjoy.

These include networking events, seminars and training courses, and business support services.

Mr Williamson said Leeds would benefit from the increased recognition its media sector, which is the third largest outside London, would receive as result of this deal.

He also said the city's media sector was keen to share its expertise, which will have educational benefits.

The two parties had been discussing the deal for several months. Leeds Media, which has two full time staff, has been based in the same building as Leeds Chamber – White Rose House in York Place, Leeds - since last June.

Leeds has more than 1,640 companies in the media industry providing employment for around 13,600 people.