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

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.

As a business owner, you know that your people are the heart of your company. They are your most valuable asset, and so it would follow that investing in your staff is a steadfast way to grow your business.

Every year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) receives some imaginative excuses and expense claims following the 31 January Self Assessment deadline. 

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

Land and Property Professionals, Robinson & Hall advise that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced a new round of funding

We want your views on our plans for 2020/21.

The Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) has launched a consultation on its proposals for its Service delivery and the Budget and Council Tax requirements for 2020/21.

January often feels like a hard month to get through. The magic of Christmas is over, it’s dark outside, and we’re back at work. This means many of us will be doing things to combat the January blues, such as getting back in the gym and making sure we get plenty of time to relax.

Luton-based chartered accountants and business advisers, Foxley Kingham is starting the New Year in contemporary new offices at the Butterfield Business Park.

Collaboration is a great opportunity for all small businesses, regardless of the industry you’re in. Not only will collaboration help you to grow your network and increase revenue, but it can also save you money and teach you something valuable at the same time.

Leighton Buzzard business donates food and money for the festive season

The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey reveals that the UK ended 2019 in stagnation, amid long term uncertainty, rising business costs and a slowing global economy. 

Commenting on the appointment of Andrew Bailey, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:   

Commenting on the Queen’s Speech today, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

As we approach the end of the year, many small business owners will be thinking about their goals and challenges for 2020.

Christmas is a time for giving, so maybe consider giving something back to the environment is the message from local charity and Community Forest, the Forest of Marston Vale. The Charity has launched a Christmas fundraising appeal, Give Back to Trees this Christmas, asking people to help them plant more trees.

• £35 million fund to boost rural productivity and create local jobs
• Grants of up to £750,000 to fuel investment in rural enterprises
• Scheme has already created over 3,700 jobs in local communities

The pressure to become more eco-friendly as a business and as an individual comes from all directions: employees, the media, the government, clients and customers.

There has been much controversy around the planned government changes to IR35, the legislation meant to prevent employees from passing themselves off as freelancers in order to avoid tax.

If you have old hard disc drives, USB sticks or mobile phones in drawers or cupboards you most certainly do. With the new GDPR regulations you need to ensure that this data is tightly controlled.

Running a small business can be incredibly rewarding. In the early days, every step is celebrated; the launch of your product or service, your website going live, your first paying customer, your first hire. And as you continue to raise your profile and expand your customer base, the more fulfilling it becomes.

Whether you’re a sole trader or a small, medium or large business, joining a local network or organisation designed to support businesses like yours is a big decision. No one wants to spend money on a membership that won’t help their business.