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

• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme opens for applications today;
• Those eligible will receive government grant worth up to £7,500;
• Money expected to be in bank accounts by 25 May.

Wyboston Lakes Resort has launched Safe Events, a comprehensive plan and policy in response to Covid-19 to safeguard the health and safety of its staff, customers and clients to ensure the conference and training complex is ready for a safe reopening.

Despite the social distancing guidelines, in a strange way we are more connected than ever. Our sense of community spirit has flourished as people have stepped up to help the vulnerable and support each other during tough times.

Premier Tech is a world leading provider of onsite and decentralised wastewater treatment, water storage and rainwater harvesting solutions. A wholly owned subsidiary of Premier Tech,

Results from the latest BCC Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker reveal the vast majority of firms surveyed say they will require three weeks or less 

This week, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) will start contacting around three and a half million customers who may be eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) to explain the application process and help them get ready to make a claim. 

Now more than ever, it’s important for businesses to come together and support each other. That’s why we’ve decided to host a series of webinars to help our members stay connected and informed during Covid-19.

Open letter to Prime Minister published as government mulls plan to lift lockdown

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.

As a valued member, we wanted to share our efforts related to the Coronavirus and to let you know that we’re here to help if you need us.  

We recognise that while the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to develop, there is a huge strain on much of your day-to-day business operations.

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.