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

Pure Business Law - solicitors in Bedford - have launched a free Covid-19 legal support service consisting of 

Loan schemes still slow to help many cash-strapped firms – but furlough scheme preventing redundancies

Lobbying is a useful business tactic for influencing government decision making, particularly for businesses facing threats such as a tax hike or a new policy that could damage their product or service. Lobbying gives businesses a voice to influence the policies and regulations that matter to their business.

Results from the latest BCC Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker reveal that the vast majority of businesses surveyed have furloughed a proportion of their workforce, and are awaiting funds from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme as payday approaches for many.

Throughout these troubling times, managing your finances is critical to all businesses, no matter how big or small. Juggling cashflow, sourcing funding and managing costs are challenges for all business owners.

As we all adjust to working from home, video calls have become part of our daily working life. We are reliant on digital platforms like Zoom, Google Hangouts and Microsoft Teams to communicate and collaborate with colleagues, clients and suppliers.

Milton Keynes man Duane Litchfield is helping provide key workers with protective face shields, which he is producing at his home. Using his 3D printer, the IT Manager at accountancy firm Foxley Kingham,

Commenting on news that applications are now open for the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said:

“The opening of the Job Retention scheme 

Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement today (17 April) that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be extended by one month until the end of June, BCC director general Adam Marshall said:

The Luton & Dunstable Hospital have been overwhelmed with generous donations and offers of assistance and have put together the following update which will hopefully be helpful if you wanted to support the Hospital.

For all the anxiety surrounding the ongoing coronavirus situation, there have been some inspiring tales of positivity and stories of people stepping out of their usual roles to do something great.

Since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak, Stepping Stones has quickly adapted the way we deliver our services to ensure we meet our core charitable purpose “To equip women who have suffered abuse or who are vulnerable due to substance misuse, with the skills, hope and resources they need to make positive life choices”. 

Neville Funerals, one of the region’s longest standing family owned businesses with branches across Bedfordshire, 

Results from the second BCC Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker reveal that most businesses have not yet successfully accessed

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.