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

For many people, working from home has always been seen as a luxury. People will have dreamed of working from the sofa with the dog under their feet and a nice cup of tea. With no one looking over their shoulder or disrupting their train of thought.

Results from the BCC’s first Covid-19 Business Impact Tracker paints a concerning, if unsurprising, picture for business communities affected by Coronavirus.

As the COVID-19 global health crisis brings uncertainty and elevated levels of stress and anxiety for small business owners, now, more than ever, is the time to come together and support each other.

Boris Johnson has now urged people across the UK to work from home where possible to help control the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

In light of these recent developments, we've put together some essential tips to help you and your employees work effectively from home.

Neville Funerals, one of the region’s longest established businesses, welcomed more than 250 people to a special commemorative tree-planting event at the Forest of Marston Vale in Bedfordshire on Sunday (23rd February).

From December 31 2020, the number of customs declarations made by traders is expected to increase from 55 million to around 300 million every year. The increase comes from traders who have never had to complete declarations before because their trade has always been within the EU.

There are many benefits of using social media for your small business. It can help create awareness of your company, boost traffic and SEO, and increase customer engagement.

Calling Bedfordshire businesses, this is your chance to enter a team into the Franklins £50 Challenge 2020 to generate as much money as possible for MacIntyre. 

Wyboston Lakes Resort achieves outstanding position in prestigious Sunday Times ‘Best 100 Companies to work for’ List 2020

Commenting on the Coronavirus outbreak and its impact on business, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:

“Businesses are increasingly managing the economic impacts of Coronavirus, from shipping and travel restrictions to increased freight costs and supply chain disruption. 

A multi-let industrial estate in Bedfordshire has been acquired by a London-based property investment company.

Commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond advised on the acquisition of a number of units at Cosgrove Way Industrial Estate, in Luton, on behalf of Pears Property Advisors.

Partners In Export UK are a consultancy and export company based in Luton. Peter Jenkin, a former Export Manager with over twenty years’ experience, set up the company six years ago to help companies get their products into international markets.

Commenting on the government’s policy proposals for a points-based immigration system, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:

“The speed and scale of these changes will require significant adjustment by businesses.

A global business, operating across a range of sectors including energy, events, communications and construction, is creating a new regional hub by relocating one of its UK divisions in Bedfordshire.

As storm Ciara hit, the Forest of Marston Vale (Reg Charity No. 1069229) were out planting over 1500 trees with 200 local people, all committed to making a difference to the local area.

Neville Funerals has become one of the first ‘Dementia Friendly’ funeral directors in Bedfordshire, committed to ensuring that customers with dementia feel at ease and supported during a bereavement.

We are now one month into 2020, and just two months away from the start of the new financial year. If you haven’t already got a winning business strategy in place for the year ahead, chances are you're not alone. 90% of businesses fail to execute a successful business strategy.

Networking events are a great way to raise awareness of your business, gain advice, and make valuable connections to help you grow your network.

It has been a momentous start to the decade for Luton-based accountants Foxley Kingham, as they move to their contemporary new offices at Butterfield Business Park.

A new book to help children experiencing the loss of a loved one has been launched by Neville Funerals, one of the region’s longest standing family owned businesses.

David Attenborough’s Blue Planet programme has become one of the most talked about documentary in households in the country, creating awareness for all ages and starting conversations about our planet and what we can all do more of to help it.

Wyboston Lakes Resort has won two coveted accolades at the prestigious Venues of Excellence (VoE) Awards.

The Bedfordshire-based hotel, conference and training resort picked up trophies for ‘Ambassador of the Year’ and ‘Referral Champion’. 

This week is National Apprenticeship Week 2020. It is an annual celebration of the benefits of apprenticeships in the UK, with events being run up and down the country.

Over half of UK firms attempted to recruit in the last quarter of 2019, but almost three quarters have struggled to find the right talent, the largest survey of UK employers has found.

Wyboston Lakes Resort is one of the first companies to sign People 1st International’s new ‘Our Hospitality Commitment’, as well as the ‘Work Placement Commitment’.

As the UK marks its official departure from the European Union, and the start of an 11-month transition period, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“In our business communities, this historic moment will bring a mixture of regret for some and celebration for others

Bedfordshire-based company Theodore Global export non-alcoholic beverages to Utah in the US. The company is owned and run by Janet Theodore and her two daughters, Bethany and Nicola.

Interested in working with a school or college to help implement an effective careers strategy that supports young students engage with local employers?

Robert Franklin, Head of Architecture & Building Surveying at Robinson & Hall gives his advice on how to become more energy efficient in 2020.

Robinson & Hall, Land and Property Professionals comment: As part of its obligations under the Climate Change Act, the Government has committed to a target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.