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

Commenting on the inflation statistics for June 2019, published today by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Inflation held steady in June, as the upward pressures from clothing and food were offset by weaker outturns in several price categories

Airbus in the UK has put its backing behind a new space research group at Cranfield University covering Advanced Space Mission Concepts (ASMiC).

Looking at concepts and technologies likely to become feasible in 5-10 years,

So you’ve identified a gap in the market. You’ve researched, planned and invested in developing the best product possible, and now you’re excited to bring it to market. 

To mark the announcement that The Forest of Marston Vale has been accredited as part of The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy, HRH The Princess Royal will be visiting the Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park in July to dedicate the Forest into the project.

Acas has been named the best public sector employer by the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei).

The workplace expert also won the Pay Gap award and a highly recommended award in the Disability Confident sector at the event hosted by the Law Society on 2 July.

Business mentors & strategy coaches are fast becoming an integral element for start-ups and SME’s, but what are the advantages of hiring one?

In a bid to grow our Business Ambassador Programme, we’ve been out in the Chamber community identifying members who fit the bill. 

• Cranfield offers new aviation scholarship for women, funded by the International Aviation Women’s Association (IAWA)
• Cranfield is the first UK university to have been granted the $5,000 scholarship
• IAWA recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary 

The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park in Marston Moretaine has received the vital funding it needs to build a Forest Shelter, for visiting schools and other groups, like brownies and cubs.

The world of residential lettings is ever changing with new rules and regulations being introduced all the time. It can be quite confusing so to help, Land and Property Professionals, Robinson & Hall have summarised all changes

Singer songwriter Mel C is on her way to Luton – set to help Ryebridge Construction raise much needed funds for local charity Age Concern Luton.
Former Olympian and Sports Scientist Greg Whyte, OBE, is the charity’s patron and is helping Ryebridge Director Daniel Coyle organise a sports-themed black-tie birthday party this September.

Active Luton has published its Impact Report for 2018/19 highlighting the many ways in which it has engaged with Luton residents of all ages and abilities to get them active and improve their health, wellbeing and access to opportunities.

The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey – the largest private sector survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth, closely watched by policymakers including the Bank of England – finds that underlying economic conditions remained stagnant in the second quarter of 2019.

EFM has recently launched a new service "Finance Director on Demand" designed as a free helpline for SMEs providing practical guidance and support with business financial matters.

The ever-changing world of planning means that Land and Property Professionals, Robinson & Hall, always have plenty of updates to share with you. We have highlighted some of the latest changes below:

New research by the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with global job site Indeed, reveals the increasing time it’s taking businesses to recruit the skills they need, emphasising the importance of removing blockers in the training system to develop a pipeline of talent.

The number of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) has been disproportionately low for as long as records detail. Women make up just 12% of engineers and 26% of computing professionals.

It’s back and bigger!

As we hurtle towards a relatively quiet season and well-deserved summer break – have you thought about ramping up your networking activity to provide the growth and momentum you need to start Q3 and Q4 strong?

University of Bedfordshire Business School academics are leading the way in advancing the quality of business and management education in higher education.

Commenting on the inflation statistics for May 2019, published today by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: 

“The easing in consumer prices in May is further evidence

The Forest Of Marston Vale is honoured to announce that they have been accredited as part of The Queen's Commonwealth Canopy project.

The team at JPA were delighted to win the Inspiring Herts Green Award on Thursday evening, at St Albans Cathedral

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 came into force in England this year.

The Act means that all social and private sector landlords, or agents acting on their behalf, will be required

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today released its latest economic forecast, upgrading its growth expectations for the UK in 2019 to 1.3% (from 1.2%).

Do you, as a leader, fear change?

Perhaps you've noticed employees are becoming stuck in their ways. Or things have become stagnant.

Does a "this is the way we’ve always done things" attitude permeate the business?

2018 saw Land and Property Professionals, Robinson & Hall’s party wall surveyors involved in over 80 Party Wall Awards

JPA is about more than just furniture and we thought it was time to show the world more of what we do and how we do it. Our new Workspaces site is live, and so is our live chat so take a peek

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Europe (COBCOE) announce that they have reached an agreement that will see 24 additional British Chambers across Europe become part of the BCC’s Global Business Network

Luton Adult Learning are running the following:

Mental Health First Aid 
The Centre for Mental Health has found that mental ill health costs UK employers an estimated £34.9 billion each year - the equivalent of £1,300 for every employee in the UK workforce. Broken down, that's £10.6 billion in sickness absence,