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

The uncertainty and frustration gripping the UK right now are palpable.

And as further ambiguity weaves its way through Brexit proceedings and negotiations, the majority of us are still unaware of how to prepare, or provide solutions and definitive advice to our workforces and peers.

What did and did not happen in 2018 and what changes are ahead in the world of planning and development in 2019?

EFM offers practical advice and recommends steps which your company can take to improve your businesses cashflow.

Neville Funeral Service, one of the regions longest established businesses, welcomed over 200 people to a rather special commemorative tree-planting event at the Forest of Marston Vale in Bedfordshire on 24th February.

Bitten the bullet and finally decided to go self-employed?

While we've previously written about how to approach this from a tax perspective, what about building your brand? How about promoting and selling yourself? Networking and identifying potentials customers?

Customs Declaration Service

Q1: I have received an alert from HMRC advising me to prepare for the new Customs Declaration Service (CDS).  I currently export to countries outside the EU, can you tell me more about CDS and tell me when this new service will affect my exports?

MHA MacIntyre Hudson and Lloyds Bank Plc have now launched the latest Manufacturing Survey Report for 2019. The survey details that overall UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) manufacturers remain optimistic and confident about future growth, 

The latest phase of the £3m investment in The Woodlands Event Centre, that forms part of Wyboston Lakes Resort’s conference and events facilities, is complete - and the transformation is impressive, with creative design combined with flexibility and technology everywhere.

Your recruitment process could be hampering your business' progression in more ways than one. Of course, as we all know, it's a tough process to get it right. You can't always predict how candidates will perform once they're past the interview stage. And with new roles coming into fruition and widening the skills gap, talent can be thin on the ground.

The communities of Wixams and Wilstead had a fabulous day, on Sunday 10th February, helping to create a new woodland, with the Forest of Marston Vale charity. Despite the wet weather on the day, 350 people joined the Charity and its team of volunteers to plant 2500 trees on the site on Duck End Lane, Wilstead.

Local chartered accountants, George Hay, have commenced twelve months of 80-themed activities to mark 80 years since their Biggleswade office was first established, with a donation to Bedfordshire-based charity – The King’s Arms Project.

 Editor's note: This post was originally written in March 2018 but has since been updated and refreshed for maximum accuracy.

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. 

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.

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

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: 

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?

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.