News

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

Making Tax Digital: Are You Ready?

In 2019, many UK business will have to make the move over to digital accounting. Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a large part of the government’s plans to make it easier for individuals and businesses to keep on top of their taxes. 

Read More

5 digital skills that could save your business

At a time of disruption, digital technology is revolutionising the way the UK economy operates. We are seeing this reflected in the workplace as business models evolve as a response to rapid innovation. No matter your industry, sector, product or service, it’s likely you’ll be faced with digital challenges involving a dependence on new digital skillsets.

Read More

JPA Furniture win National Award

JPA Furniture are delighted to have won a national award this week for ‘Social Sustainability and Community Development’ at the edie sustainability

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BCC: Government must listen to business on tariffs

Commenting on reports that the Cabinet is considering options around making imports tariff-free across the board if we leave the EU next month without a deal, Adam Marshall, Director General of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: 

Read More

Mental health in the workplace - a parity of esteem

Would you know how to react if a colleague were having a panic attack?

What about colleague displaying signs of an eating disorder or depression?

Read More

Make time for trees

This coming Sunday, 10th February, the Forest of Marston Vale charity is holding its annual public tree planting event – creating a new community woodland in Wilstead.

Read More

BCC comments on no deal customs announcement

Commenting on the announcement by HMRC on Transitional Simplified Procedures for customs in the case of no deal, Ronan Quigley, Executive Director responsible for Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
Read More

International Day of Forests – Wear it Green on 21st March

At the end of 2012, the United Nations declared March 21st every year to be the International Day of Forests in a bid to raise awareness of and celebrate the importance of our forests. Put simply, forests matter. 

Read More

Another day lost while the clock is ticking

Commenting on the latest votes in Parliament on Brexit, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

BREXIT BRIEFING Written by PNC

Recruitment & Retention/Right to Work and Reside
This has immediate impact and is one that is already affecting employers, this relates to the status of EU nationals currently working in the UK.

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10 tips to make your next networking event feel less 'awkward'

Seldom will you find an experienced networker who hasn’t once experienced the discomfort, fear and uncertainty you’re likely feeling (why else did you click on this post?) right now.

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Are you a sixth form student living in Luton?


Here’s your chance to apply for an engineering bursary of £5,000 to help you during your University studies.

The bursary is open to anyone intending to study engineering at University and currently residing with a Luton postcode.

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BCC: Flexible labour market limiting impact of sluggish economy

Commenting on the labour market figures for January 2019, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
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Barclays Chairman opens new aviation technology hub at Cranfield University

The Chairman of Barclays, John Mcfarlane, has officially opened the new aviation technology hub at Cranfield University.

The hub is a partnership between Cranfield University and Barclays, establishing the first Eagle Labdedicated to aviation technology,

Read More

Haiders 11 Top Tips for Networking

With the premier of our monthly networking event, Haiders Hub, we thought we’d share some of our tips for making the most out of your networking events.

Read More

Exam joy for George Hay’s Joe

Local chartered accountancy firm, George Hay, had cause for celebration just before heading into the New Year as Joe Kokotka received the news that he had passed his final ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) exams, to become a fully qualified chartered accountant.
Read More

Why 'Meet the Buyer' is an unmissable opportunity for your business

A Meet the Buyer event hosted by Chamber will see the team match you to a buyer based on their procurement needs. This could take your business to the next level and is a significant opportunity to bolster your business growth.

Read More

10 steps to setting up as self-employed

Thinking of setting up your own business or considering self-employment?

Follow HM Revenue and Customs’ simple, 10-step guide to setting up as a sole trader.

Read More

BCC responds to result of meaningful vote

Responding to the Parliamentary defeat of the Meaningful Vote on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
Read More

Dealing with mental illness in the workplace

Whether you’ve experienced mental health issues yourself or have watched a relative, friend or colleague suffer, it’s likely that mental illness has touched your life at some point.

Read More

Corporate Tree Planting Days

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.” Wise words in this old Chinese proverb, so why not organise a corporate tree planting day with local tree-planting charity, the Forest of Marston Vale.

Read More

Bedfordshire law firm confirms new office relocation for 2nd January 2019

Machins Solicitors LLP, one of Luton’s most established law firms, has moved from its Victoria Street office, to new offices on Dunstable Road, Luton.

Read More

BCC QES: Big squeeze on firms from recruitment, prices and cash flow

The British Chambers of Commerce’s quarterly economic survey – the UK’s largest private sector survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth

Read More

7 quick wins for a more environmentally sustainable business

Every business is to some extent, feeling the pressure to behave in a more environmentally responsible way. But doing so requires effort and time that some of us simply do not have.

Read More

British business says no to no-deal in 100 days’ time

The UK’s five leading business groups, representing hundreds of thousands of businesses across the United Kingdom employing millions of people, today unite 

Read More

6 ways to prepare for a ‘Meet the Buyer’ event

Meeting the buyer is an opportunity that could bolster business growth exponentially.

With the opportunity to meet face-to-face with some of the biggest decision makers in your industry, it pays to brush up on your knowledge, numbers, and markets.

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Alberto Martin appointed as CEO of London Luton Airport

Alberto Martin, the airport’s current Planning and Investment Director has been appointed CEO of London Luton Airport (LLA) with immediate effect. Nick Barton has taken the decision to step down from his role as CEO of LLA to take up a new professional challenge in the New Year.

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BCC Forecast: Business investment deep freeze to continue in 2019

Uncertainty over the UK’s future relationship with the EU is one of many factors that has weakened the outlook for business investment, according to the latest forecast by British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

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Export 101 - What not to do

Export can be a lucrative business venture, but in the midst of new processes and regulations, it’s easy to fall foul to some of these common mistakes.

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Government shows further commitment to growth in the Oxford to Cambridge Arc

 11th December 2018

Phillip Hammond’s Autumn Budget on 29th October 2018 has strengthened the Government’s commitment to growth in the Oxford to Cambridge corridor, which is also now referred to as the ‘Brain Belt’.

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Making Tax Digital: Are You Ready?

In 2019, many UK business will have to make the move over to digital accounting. Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a large part of the government’s plans to make it easier for individuals and businesses to keep on top of their taxes. 

Read More

5 digital skills that could save your business

At a time of disruption, digital technology is revolutionising the way the UK economy operates. We are seeing this reflected in the workplace as business models evolve as a response to rapid innovation. No matter your industry, sector, product or service, it’s likely you’ll be faced with digital challenges involving a dependence on new digital skillsets.

Read More

JPA Furniture win National Award

JPA Furniture are delighted to have won a national award this week for ‘Social Sustainability and Community Development’ at the edie sustainability

Read More

BCC: Government must listen to business on tariffs

Commenting on reports that the Cabinet is considering options around making imports tariff-free across the board if we leave the EU next month without a deal, Adam Marshall, Director General of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: 

Read More

Mental health in the workplace - a parity of esteem

Would you know how to react if a colleague were having a panic attack?

What about colleague displaying signs of an eating disorder or depression?

Read More

Make time for trees

This coming Sunday, 10th February, the Forest of Marston Vale charity is holding its annual public tree planting event – creating a new community woodland in Wilstead.

Read More

BCC comments on no deal customs announcement

Commenting on the announcement by HMRC on Transitional Simplified Procedures for customs in the case of no deal, Ronan Quigley, Executive Director responsible for Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
Read More

International Day of Forests – Wear it Green on 21st March

At the end of 2012, the United Nations declared March 21st every year to be the International Day of Forests in a bid to raise awareness of and celebrate the importance of our forests. Put simply, forests matter. 

Read More

Another day lost while the clock is ticking

Commenting on the latest votes in Parliament on Brexit, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

BREXIT BRIEFING Written by PNC

Recruitment & Retention/Right to Work and Reside
This has immediate impact and is one that is already affecting employers, this relates to the status of EU nationals currently working in the UK.

Read More

Barclays Chairman opens new aviation technology hub at Cranfield University

The Chairman of Barclays, John Mcfarlane, has officially opened the new aviation technology hub at Cranfield University.

The hub is a partnership between Cranfield University and Barclays, establishing the first Eagle Labdedicated to aviation technology,

Read More

Haiders 11 Top Tips for Networking

With the premier of our monthly networking event, Haiders Hub, we thought we’d share some of our tips for making the most out of your networking events.

Read More

Exam joy for George Hay’s Joe

Local chartered accountancy firm, George Hay, had cause for celebration just before heading into the New Year as Joe Kokotka received the news that he had passed his final ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) exams, to become a fully qualified chartered accountant.
Read More

Why 'Meet the Buyer' is an unmissable opportunity for your business

A Meet the Buyer event hosted by Chamber will see the team match you to a buyer based on their procurement needs. This could take your business to the next level and is a significant opportunity to bolster your business growth.

Read More

10 steps to setting up as self-employed

Thinking of setting up your own business or considering self-employment?

Follow HM Revenue and Customs’ simple, 10-step guide to setting up as a sole trader.

Read More

BCC responds to result of meaningful vote

Responding to the Parliamentary defeat of the Meaningful Vote on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
Read More

Dealing with mental illness in the workplace

Whether you’ve experienced mental health issues yourself or have watched a relative, friend or colleague suffer, it’s likely that mental illness has touched your life at some point.

Read More

Corporate Tree Planting Days

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now.” Wise words in this old Chinese proverb, so why not organise a corporate tree planting day with local tree-planting charity, the Forest of Marston Vale.

Read More

Bedfordshire law firm confirms new office relocation for 2nd January 2019

Machins Solicitors LLP, one of Luton’s most established law firms, has moved from its Victoria Street office, to new offices on Dunstable Road, Luton.

Read More

BCC QES: Big squeeze on firms from recruitment, prices and cash flow

The British Chambers of Commerce’s quarterly economic survey – the UK’s largest private sector survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth

Read More

7 quick wins for a more environmentally sustainable business

Every business is to some extent, feeling the pressure to behave in a more environmentally responsible way. But doing so requires effort and time that some of us simply do not have.

Read More

British business says no to no-deal in 100 days’ time

The UK’s five leading business groups, representing hundreds of thousands of businesses across the United Kingdom employing millions of people, today unite 

Read More

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