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

If you're still considering taking out a bounce back loan, it's not too late.

Far more affordable and flexible than any loan you normally get from a private sector lender, the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) is a great option for many SMEs who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Issues with batteries are consistently in the top five causes of vehicle breakdowns in the UK and, with electric vehicle 

Working from home has become the new normal for many businesses across the country. But although much of our daily lives have been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, cyber threats and phishing scams haven’t. They remain as much of a threat to businesses as ever. In fact, there is some evidence of an increase in phishing and other cybercrime activity now people are working at home.

Results from the latest BCC Coronavirus Business Tracker reveal that businesses are still facing significant cashflow challenges

By Liam Smyth, ChamberCustoms
@chambercustoms www.chambercustoms.co.uk

The UK left the European Union on 31st January 2020, and the transition period comes to an end in December this year. It is vital that businesses take action now to get ready for a new border operating environment from 1st January 2021.

Many drivers have been off the roads for several weeks or more, it’s important they take it carefully when they return to more regular driving.

Wyboston Lakes Resort has been recognised by three prestigious organisations for its first-class event facilities and commitment to health, hygiene and safety standards, which have become paramount following Covid-19. 

Sustainability is moving from a nice-to-have to a must-have, putting sustainable temperature-controlled shippers in high demand

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is due to end on October 31, and is already being tapered out to help get the economy back on track. So for many businesses, if they haven’t already, now is the time to start considering if, when and how they can bring back their furloughed employees.

Rob White is a Senior Chartered Trade Mark Attorney at Groom Wilkes & Wright. Based in Hitchin, GWW was established fifteen years ago to provide businesses in the local area with trade mark services at competitive, non-London prices.

The coronavirus pandemic flipped the business world on its head. As the nation was forced into lockdown, businesses had to think on their feet to find ways to continue to meet the needs of their customers. We saw restaurants transform into takeaways, bricks and mortar stores move to online, and events businesses turn to webinars.

The UK government are encouraging people to get back to the office in a bid to spur economic recovery. This comes as shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants have successfully re-opened and this weekend we’ll see gyms, swimming pools and beauty salons also opening their doors once more.

Signature Flatbreads has sent a message of optimism amidst the economic uncertainty resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic, by committing significant investment to increase production capacity at its Dunstable factory, creating 75-100 new jobs. 

Bina Briggs is Director of Plain Talking HR, a Luton-based company that provides human resources services to small and medium-sized business owners in a variety of sectors. Bina has built her success on delivering simple and straightforward HR advice to support busy business owners with people-related matters.

Few businesses were prepared for what 2020 would bring. A global pandemic? It certainly wasn’t what anyone expected as we approached the turn of the new decade. But the COVID-19 crisis has wreaked financial havoc, leaving many small business owners struggling to stay afloat.

Whipsnade is the  UK’s largest wildlife conservation park but as result of Covid-19 we were closed

Every small business owner knows that the learning never stops. If you want to stay ahead of the competition you need to be aware of the latest news, trends and ideas in areas from leadership to marketing to the economy.

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement of further easing of Coronavirus restrictions from July 4 in England, including the reopening of culture, tourism and leisure venues

A full-service creative agency in Luton is targeting 20 per cent revenue growth following an office expansion and a brand overhaul.

Award winning conference, training and leisure venue Wyboston Lakes Resort has again been recognised as one of the best conference venues in the country.

As shops in England re-opened last week, thousands of people flocked to high streets up and down the country. The images of people queuing outside shops are a welcome sight for retailers and prove that the high street certainly isn’t dead - despite many reports to the contrary.

Twitter recently made the bold announcement that employees would be able to work from home “forever”. The change comes as companies across the globe weigh up how to manage their offices in the coming months - and beyond.

Commenting on the ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU, BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall said:

“Businesses need the two sides to knuckle down and agree a deal.

Justin Deaville is Managing Director at Receptional, a multi-award winning digital marketing agency, based in Bedford. Founded in 1999, Receptional has been committed to driving more traffic, sales and profits for Bedfordshire businesses for over twenty years.

An exciting new business funding matching tool looking to revolutionise access to finance for businesses in Bedfordshire is released today 

In one of our recent webinars, Chris Davies at Sandler Training gave a powerful and motivating talk about how businesses can increase their prospect pipeline. Coronavirus has of course shaken businesses to their core, but as Chris argues, now is not the time to sit back and wait for people to be ready to start buying again.

Last month, Beds Chamber member Darren Kerr, Director of PostureFit, hosted our first-ever health and wellbeing webinar.

Visitors and staff arriving at Wyboston Lakes Resort will now automatically have their temperatures discreetly 

As High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, I am writing to ask for your assistance. Sadly, there are children in our county who have no access to computer devices to complete their schoolwork.

Increasing number of UK Air Ambulance Charities deploying Crēdo ProMed™ to protect and transport lifesaving blood products on board emergency response aircraft