News

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

How to Budget - And Where to Get Help With It

Setting and managing budgets for your business can be a challenge. After all, planning how to spend what you can’t be sure you’ll have is something of a moving target!

With this in mind, we’ve put together a whistle-stop guide to take you through the budget essentials, and point you to advice and resources we at the Chamber offer to help make budgeting if not a breeze, then at least a little less turbulent.


Read More

Cheers as wine merchant secures new headquarters

Award-winning importer and distributor of wine, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, has secured a new office headquarters in Bedfordshire, commercial property consultants Kirkby Diamond announced today.

Hallgarten, one of the UK’s leading specialist wine merchants, has agreed a 15-year lease on 8,000 sq ft of new office space at Mulberry House, Capability Green, in Luton. Kirkby Diamond was instructed by Hallgarten to acquire headquarters premises in the region.

Read More

Strategy planning for 2022

With the new year looming on the horizon and the economy finally getting back on track, with specialists predicting we will be back to a pre-Covid economy by December, now is the perfect time to be thinking about the future of your business and looking at your strategic plans for 2022 and beyond.

Here at the Chamber, we can provide you with specialist one-to-one support to help your business succeed and grow in 2022.  Read on to find out more.


Read More

Kirkby Diamond scores a hat-trick at industrial estate

A trio of new lettings have been completed at a popular Luton industrial estate by commercial property consultants Kirkby Diamond.

Independent trade-only plumbing and heating merchant Williams Trade Supplies Ltd, which has 39 branches across England and Wales, has agreed a 10-year lease on unit 49, a 5,703 sq ft mid terrace trade counter at Bilton Way industrial estate.

Read More

Training your own talent

The Bedford College Group Business Development team is leading the way by example with training up the next generation of sales and support professionals.

Learning from experienced individuals (the business squad recently boasted it had 100+ years of experience among its team), apprentices have moved on to more senior roles in the organisation adding value and demonstrating loyalty to the “Best College in the UK”.*

Read More

Foxley Kingham Anniversary Foundation raises over £8800 for Level Trust

The Foxley Kingham Anniversary Foundation has raised over £8800 for their charity partner Level Trust over the past six months. Level Trust provides vital help and support for children and families in the local area.

Read More

A straightforward solution in a world which is anything but

If the last couple of years has taught us anything, it’s that businesses need to expect the unexpected.

A period of massive political and economic change has meant trading has been extremely difficult, in particular for small- and medium-sized firms, who will have seen their cash flow significantly hit.

Read More

Business and Governments Must Unite to Hit Net Zero Target


• Nine out of 10 firms have not done any assessment on a series of key strategies for managing a sustainable transition to net zero

• Two thirds (61%) said either capital grants or tax allowances would do most to encourage them to reduce their carbon consumption in the long term.

• Most firms recommend the government focus on a transition to more efficient sources of energy

Read More

Team culture - the shift from remote to hybrid and office working

 

Businesses have adapted to remote working to protect staff and to help curb infection rates during the pandemic. The world changed almost overnight and Zoom and Teams meetings soon became the norm, so it comes as no surprise that returning to “normality” would present some challenges.

Read More

BCC gives full response to October 2021 Budget

Giving her reaction to the Chancellor’s budget, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:

“There is much to welcome in this Budget for business communities across the UK.

Read More

Building consultants expand and lay new foundations

A team of building consultants is laying new foundations for expansion by increasing its operations in Bedfordshire.

Kirkby Diamond’s building consultancy department is dividing its operations between Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes, and Chobham Street, Luton, as it seeks to expand its services to customers further south along the M1 motorway.

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New Data Shows Export Recovery Remains Flat Amid Disruption To Supply Chains

   
• Proportion of UK exporters reporting increased export sales (30%) rose slightly from Q2 (27%)

• However, proportion reporting decreased sales remained stubbornly and historically high at 26%, while 45% report no change

• Recovery in manufacturing exports began to fall back slightly from previous quarter

Read More

Eight Ways to Improve Sales

Boosting your sales performance is a main objective for any business, regardless of size.  But how do you increase sales effectively?  The customer should always be your main focus, as opposed to just focusing on profit, but there are some other key ways to enable you to take your sales to the next level.  Here are eight ways to enable you to do just that.

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Deroiste Natural Beauty Receives a Commendation at the Woman Who Achieves Awards

Deemed the ‘One to Watch’ by the Judges at the Woman Who Achieves & Solopreneur Awards 2021, Esther Roche received a Commendation award for her natural plant-based skincare range DeRoiste Natural Beauty.

Read More

Wyboston Lakes Resort sees demand for events surge for 2022, well ahead of pre-pandemic years

Bookings for conferences, meetings and training events at Wyboston Lakes Resort for 2022 are currently over 140% ahead of 2019, alongside a record number of large events from leading pharmaceutical companies taking place this Autumn.

Read More

Work smarter and be more productive with a smart meter

Are you seeking smart solutions for your business? A smart meter could be just the ticket for you.

Smart meters are the new generation of gas and electricity meters which can be an invaluable asset for firms in Legal services, Accounting and bookkeeping, Marketing consultancy, Architecture, IT services, and more.

Read More

Peli BioThermal Launches Updated Website


New website further unifies the brand and streamlines customer experience

Peli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging solutions, announces the launch of its newly designed website. Located at www.pelibiothermal.com, the new site offers a wide variety of resources to support the worldwide business of its life sciences customers.

Read More

Dunstable Town Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Day raised £350 for Home Start, supported by Essential Workwear

It was all smiles at a charity golf day supported by family business Essential Workwear – even the weather was above par! The well-supported event at Dunstable Downs Golf Club on Thursday September 16, 2021, was the Dunstable town mayor’s annual charity golf day, and the sun was out and truly shining.

Read More

Back to School and Work Amid the ‘New Normal’: Continuing Consequences of the Pandemic on Our Health and Wellbeing

What Does the ‘New Normal’ Mean for Our Wellbeing?

Children have returned to school, many people are returning to the office and we’re living the ‘new normal’ – but what impact have recent events really had on our community?

The pandemic has caused considerable changes in our lives, especially for children and young people. While some have adjusted easily, others have struggled with the challenges, and experienced unwanted feelings, low mood, and anxiety.

Read More

Merger of accountancy practices is a welcome boost to businesses in Luton and the surrounding area

Streets Chartered Accountants are delighted to announce the founding of the new Luton firm, Streets S J Males.

Read More

Helapet wins Investors in People GOLD recognition

Helapet Limited, local manufacturer and distributor of high quality medical and cleanroom consumables based in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, are delighted to be recently awarded the coveted Investors in People ‘We invest in people, gold accreditation’.

Read More

The Climate Change Challenge and Its Effect on SMEs

The 2019 Climate Change Act commits the UK to ‘net zero’ by 2050, increasing the UK’s duty to a 100% cutback in emissions by 2050.

But what does it mean for businesses? What can SMEs do to ensure they are meeting targets?

Read More

BCC Forecast: business investment set to be left behind in record economic recovery

UK business investment is expected to decline this year despite the prospect of record economic growth, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast.

The leading business group predicts UK GDP growth for 2021 of 7.1%, which, if realised, would be the strongest outturn since official records began in 1949.1

Read More

Central Bedfordshire College celebrates its diamond anniversary

Central Bedfordshire College is delighted to be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2021.

Founded as the College of Further Education Kingsway in 1961, the local institution has seen many changes over the years, being known as Dunstable College for many years before finally becoming Central Bedfordshire College in 2010. Current Principal and CEO, Dr Ali Hadawi CBE, has been at the helm of the college for over 10 years.

Read More

DIT/UKEF helping Bedfordshire companies export

Jo Archer (UKEF) and Mathilde Murphy (DIT) talk about some positive stories behind exporting in Bedfordshire and some of the support the government can offer to companies looking to explore new markets.

Read More

Do you have enough on your plate running a business?  A smart meter could help

Running your very own restaurant, coffee shop or bar might be a dream, but you are up against huge competition, and it can be tough out there. For survival and success, you may want to consider the following:

Read More

Import, Export, International Trade – the Chamber is Ready to Help

With the UK’s exit from the EU now officially achieved, (ongoing wrinkles and wrangles notwithstanding!), many businesses are revisiting the prospects for international trade both within and outside the EU.

For us at the Chamber, international trade is now scheduled to become a year-long focus, and we have added extensive content to our website to give your business access to the international trade resources and services it needs now more than ever, as we explore briefly below.

Read More

Planning and Local Plan Update

Robinson & Hall, Land and Property Professionals have a few points they want to share with you on the ever changing world of planning.

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It pays to be a Chamber member!

If you own a business in Bedfordshire or are looking for customers in Beds, you should certainly consider joining the Chamber.

Why? Because there’s a whole raft of benefits, explained below, from company promotion, to online networking and face-to-face events, to support and training, to global services – and much more besides.

(And if you’re an existing member, make sure you read this to ensure you are using your membership to its full advantage and not missing out!)

Read More

Streets Leaps Into Top Ten Digital Firms Following Partnership With Distract

Streets Chartered Accountants and marketing experts Distract are celebrating after bursting into the top ten UK accountancy firms for marketing, brand and digital intelligence.

Read More

How to Budget - And Where to Get Help With It

Setting and managing budgets for your business can be a challenge. After all, planning how to spend what you can’t be sure you’ll have is something of a moving target!

With this in mind, we’ve put together a whistle-stop guide to take you through the budget essentials, and point you to advice and resources we at the Chamber offer to help make budgeting if not a breeze, then at least a little less turbulent.


Read More

Cheers as wine merchant secures new headquarters

Award-winning importer and distributor of wine, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, has secured a new office headquarters in Bedfordshire, commercial property consultants Kirkby Diamond announced today.

Hallgarten, one of the UK’s leading specialist wine merchants, has agreed a 15-year lease on 8,000 sq ft of new office space at Mulberry House, Capability Green, in Luton. Kirkby Diamond was instructed by Hallgarten to acquire headquarters premises in the region.

Read More

Strategy planning for 2022

With the new year looming on the horizon and the economy finally getting back on track, with specialists predicting we will be back to a pre-Covid economy by December, now is the perfect time to be thinking about the future of your business and looking at your strategic plans for 2022 and beyond.

Here at the Chamber, we can provide you with specialist one-to-one support to help your business succeed and grow in 2022.  Read on to find out more.


Read More

Kirkby Diamond scores a hat-trick at industrial estate

A trio of new lettings have been completed at a popular Luton industrial estate by commercial property consultants Kirkby Diamond.

Independent trade-only plumbing and heating merchant Williams Trade Supplies Ltd, which has 39 branches across England and Wales, has agreed a 10-year lease on unit 49, a 5,703 sq ft mid terrace trade counter at Bilton Way industrial estate.

Read More

Training your own talent

The Bedford College Group Business Development team is leading the way by example with training up the next generation of sales and support professionals.

Learning from experienced individuals (the business squad recently boasted it had 100+ years of experience among its team), apprentices have moved on to more senior roles in the organisation adding value and demonstrating loyalty to the “Best College in the UK”.*

Read More

Foxley Kingham Anniversary Foundation raises over £8800 for Level Trust

The Foxley Kingham Anniversary Foundation has raised over £8800 for their charity partner Level Trust over the past six months. Level Trust provides vital help and support for children and families in the local area.

Read More

A straightforward solution in a world which is anything but

If the last couple of years has taught us anything, it’s that businesses need to expect the unexpected.

A period of massive political and economic change has meant trading has been extremely difficult, in particular for small- and medium-sized firms, who will have seen their cash flow significantly hit.

Read More

Business and Governments Must Unite to Hit Net Zero Target


• Nine out of 10 firms have not done any assessment on a series of key strategies for managing a sustainable transition to net zero

• Two thirds (61%) said either capital grants or tax allowances would do most to encourage them to reduce their carbon consumption in the long term.

• Most firms recommend the government focus on a transition to more efficient sources of energy

Read More

Team culture - the shift from remote to hybrid and office working

 

Businesses have adapted to remote working to protect staff and to help curb infection rates during the pandemic. The world changed almost overnight and Zoom and Teams meetings soon became the norm, so it comes as no surprise that returning to “normality” would present some challenges.

Read More

BCC gives full response to October 2021 Budget

Giving her reaction to the Chancellor’s budget, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:

“There is much to welcome in this Budget for business communities across the UK.

Read More

Deroiste Natural Beauty Receives a Commendation at the Woman Who Achieves Awards

Deemed the ‘One to Watch’ by the Judges at the Woman Who Achieves & Solopreneur Awards 2021, Esther Roche received a Commendation award for her natural plant-based skincare range DeRoiste Natural Beauty.

Read More

Wyboston Lakes Resort sees demand for events surge for 2022, well ahead of pre-pandemic years

Bookings for conferences, meetings and training events at Wyboston Lakes Resort for 2022 are currently over 140% ahead of 2019, alongside a record number of large events from leading pharmaceutical companies taking place this Autumn.

Read More

Work smarter and be more productive with a smart meter

Are you seeking smart solutions for your business? A smart meter could be just the ticket for you.

Smart meters are the new generation of gas and electricity meters which can be an invaluable asset for firms in Legal services, Accounting and bookkeeping, Marketing consultancy, Architecture, IT services, and more.

Read More

Peli BioThermal Launches Updated Website


New website further unifies the brand and streamlines customer experience

Peli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging solutions, announces the launch of its newly designed website. Located at www.pelibiothermal.com, the new site offers a wide variety of resources to support the worldwide business of its life sciences customers.

Read More

Dunstable Town Mayor’s Annual Charity Golf Day raised £350 for Home Start, supported by Essential Workwear

It was all smiles at a charity golf day supported by family business Essential Workwear – even the weather was above par! The well-supported event at Dunstable Downs Golf Club on Thursday September 16, 2021, was the Dunstable town mayor’s annual charity golf day, and the sun was out and truly shining.

Read More

Back to School and Work Amid the ‘New Normal’: Continuing Consequences of the Pandemic on Our Health and Wellbeing

What Does the ‘New Normal’ Mean for Our Wellbeing?

Children have returned to school, many people are returning to the office and we’re living the ‘new normal’ – but what impact have recent events really had on our community?

The pandemic has caused considerable changes in our lives, especially for children and young people. While some have adjusted easily, others have struggled with the challenges, and experienced unwanted feelings, low mood, and anxiety.

Read More

Merger of accountancy practices is a welcome boost to businesses in Luton and the surrounding area

Streets Chartered Accountants are delighted to announce the founding of the new Luton firm, Streets S J Males.

Read More

Helapet wins Investors in People GOLD recognition

Helapet Limited, local manufacturer and distributor of high quality medical and cleanroom consumables based in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, are delighted to be recently awarded the coveted Investors in People ‘We invest in people, gold accreditation’.

Read More

The Climate Change Challenge and Its Effect on SMEs

The 2019 Climate Change Act commits the UK to ‘net zero’ by 2050, increasing the UK’s duty to a 100% cutback in emissions by 2050.

But what does it mean for businesses? What can SMEs do to ensure they are meeting targets?

Read More

BCC Forecast: business investment set to be left behind in record economic recovery

UK business investment is expected to decline this year despite the prospect of record economic growth, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast.

The leading business group predicts UK GDP growth for 2021 of 7.1%, which, if realised, would be the strongest outturn since official records began in 1949.1

Read More

Central Bedfordshire College celebrates its diamond anniversary

Central Bedfordshire College is delighted to be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2021.

Founded as the College of Further Education Kingsway in 1961, the local institution has seen many changes over the years, being known as Dunstable College for many years before finally becoming Central Bedfordshire College in 2010. Current Principal and CEO, Dr Ali Hadawi CBE, has been at the helm of the college for over 10 years.

Read More

DIT/UKEF helping Bedfordshire companies export

Jo Archer (UKEF) and Mathilde Murphy (DIT) talk about some positive stories behind exporting in Bedfordshire and some of the support the government can offer to companies looking to explore new markets.

Read More

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