History

MERIT was founded in 1988 by a small group of senior managers working for a number of North West-based organisations. This group was drawn together by the need to secure independent help and advice on how to optimise information and communication technology. This small group realised the value of sharing experiences and expertise. Also, they were able to benefit from buying and lobbying as a group to secure economic and decision-making power.

From its humble beginnings MERIT has grown in terms of size and areas of activity, despite having no full-time support structure. MERIT has flourished with the help of member’s fees and contributions in kind from a wide and varied group of organisations and individuals. By 1998, MERIT had grown to the extent that it was decided to seek the support of European Union, Objective 1 funding to provide full-time staff who could administer the organisation and extend the areas of activity.

In 1998, MERIT (NW) Limited was established as a non-profit making membership organisation with a board of directors appointed from the membership. Subsequently, MERIT (NW) Limited was formally launched by Barbara Roche MP who was the Small Firms Minister.

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