Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

Neville Funerals has announced that it is to open a new branch at Dunstable in January 2021. This will be the long-established firm’s ninth branch to open in its heartland of the Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire region.

The start of 2021 sees the appointment of Sarah Williams as a new Business Development Partner for top UK accountancy practice, Streets Chartered Accountants.

The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) – the UK’s largest independent survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth – found that business conditions remained weak in the fourth quarter as the second lockdown squeezed activity.

 
Commenting on the support measures for business announced by the Chancellor, BCC Director General, Adam Marshall said:   
 
'While this immediate cash flow support for business is welcome, it is not going to be enough to save many firms.

Despite the pandemic, a local leisure company has seen an increase in profits and clientele after seeking free SME business support from the University of Bedfordshire.

We have been eagerly awaiting the latest information from Defra on changes to agricultural policy following Brexit and our withdrawal from the Common Agricultural Policy. On 30th November we received the England’s Agricultural Transition Plan which sets out Defra’s future plans.

The events of 2020 have had a significant impact on the wellbeing of many people across the country. When we first went into lockdown in March, half of British adults reported feeling anxious. Health, making ends meet and job security were among the top worries - and for many people, still are.

In October British Chambers of Commerce alongside the local Chamber network, launched a campaign to recognise the incredible work UK businesses have been doing to support local communities, innovate and meet new demands during the Coronavirus pandemic.

British Chambers of Commerce calls for the government to give businesses more evidence, support and clarity to weather Coronavirus restrictions and help power our economic recovery. 

Business owners face many challenges, from attracting new customers to maintaining profitability. Building high-performing teams is another. Many business owners want to get more out of their teams but simply don’t know how to. They don’t have clarity on performance. They aren’t natural coaches. And they don’t know how to get the best out of people.

Peli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging, announces it has been recognised as a UK Business Hero for its efforts during the pandemic. 

With normal fundraising activities affected by Covid-19, MacIntyre, a national charity providing education, support, and care for over 1,200 people with learning disabilities and/or autism, are taking part in the 2020 Big Give Christmas Challenge. 

Abel Bunu, Senior Planner at Robinson & Hall, Land and Property Professionals, provides a planning update of key areas which may interest you.

National restrictions continue to significantly affect businesses across the country. While non-essential retail, hospitality and leisure businesses have had to temporarily close during lockdown, those businesses which are still operating will also have been heavily affected by the pandemic.

British Chambers of Commerce calls for evidence and clarity for businesses as government mulls post-December 2nd Coronavirus restrictions in England

Many businesses have had to make spending cuts due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the latest IPA Bellwether report reveals a record decline in marketing budgets in 2020.

The Bedford College Group has won the title of FE College of the Year in the prestigious Times Educational Supplement (TES) Further Education awards.

The Bedford-based company revalidates its Silver Award, which is part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
 
This timber garden products manufacturer was firstly awarded in 2015 with the Bronze recognition.

Business uncertainty seems set to continue for some time, and we don’t know exactly how things will look on the other side. What was key to unlocking success before might not be the same going forward.

Priorities may need to change as new and exciting opportunities emerge. Now is the perfect time to challenge our plans and think about what we might need to do differently.

Company triumphs at prestigious Asia awards ceremony celebrating outstanding bioprocessing performance within Korea and worldwide

Espère Healthcare Ltd, located in Shefford, are raising awareness of the benefits of the Cambridge Mask PRO, including the environmental benefits provided by its capability to be worn for up to 340 hours, that’s around 6 months of wear for the average user.

New research released today by LifeSkills created by Barclays highlights that the younger generation has a critical role to play in the UK’s recovery from Covid-19.

Dunster House Ltd wins a new Long-Term Agreement to supply humanitarian products to Unicef

Once the UK reaches the end of the Brexit transition period, in just 70 days time, the process for importing and exporting goods to and from the EU will fundamentally change.

New facility expands European network providing support services for Crēdo Cube™ reusable shippers

Peli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging, announces the opening of a new Service Centre in Strasbourg.

Commenting on the government’s updated Border Operating Model, published today, BCC Director of Trade Facilitation Liam Smyth said: 

With just 90 days to go until the end of the Brexit transition period, it’s remarkable to think that we still don’t know whether Britain will be leaving the EU with a deal. The chances of a ‘No Deal Brexit’ are rising, but an agreement is still possible.

The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES)

In these uncertain times, many businesses will be focused on survival. But while it's all hands on deck to 'get business done', things like people development and making sure staff feel valued, may fall by the wayside.

Responding to The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP’s announcement of a Winter Economic Plan, including a new raft of measures to support businesses and the economy as the pandemic continues, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said: