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

Accountant, Keith Middleton, reached a significant milestone in his career on 19 August as he celebrated 50 years’ service with George Hay Chartered Accountants.

Keith joined George Hay in August 1968 and was a partner in the firm from 1997-2017. 

Row of typical English terraced houses in West Hampstead, London.

An extension of the mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing will come in to effect from 1st October 2018, 

The new Bedford i-Hub on Cauldwell Street is set to open in October creating a new business incubator centre in the middle of our county town.

Following investment by Bedford Borough Council, the i-Hub is bringing a 3000 sq.ft Georgian building 

By definition, lobbying is “The act of attempting to influence business and government leaders to create legislation or conduct an activity that will help a particular organisation.”

Commenting on the first estimate of GDP for Q2 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said

Commenting on last quarter’s results of the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey, Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, said:

“The availability of skilled staff remains the biggest issue that firms face. 

Commenting ahead of the publication of technical notices from the government relating to the possibility of ‘no deal’ in the Brexit negotiations, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Hear from Emma, Julie and Meena, Gary, Wayne and Chris talking about how they've secured investment in their businesses through the expertise of local projects part-funded through European funding.

Employers across the UK suspected of providing false or misleading information to The Pensions Regulator about how they are meeting their automatic enrolment duties, will now be targeted with short notice inspections.

Frivolous plastic disposal is causing unthinkable damage to wildlife, ecosystems and even our food chains. It’s an epidemic that will continue to proliferate until we consciously and collectively start to change our behaviour.

Leaders from Peli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging, were joined by business officials and distinguished dignitaries at an esteemed presentation ceremony

Connectivity is a basic business requirement today, and erratic mobile coverage can be a significant hindrance for businesses on the ability to perform.

The vast majority of UK businesses believe the cost of complying with the UK tax system has escalated over recent years, according to new research released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with Avalara.

Starting now until November, Velocity Growth Hub has brought together local business owners and trainers in a programme of new, fully-funded business skills workshops that combine local business knowledge and expert training to give you the best client experience.

The former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire encouraged graduates from the University of Bedfordshire to grasp every opportunity available.

Commenting on the inflation statistics for June 2018, published today by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Cranfield University has been chosen by the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) to be the education provider for the Defence Enterprise Export Programme (DEEP) launched yesterday at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Directors from Peli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging, attended a prestigious regal reception hosted by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and members of the Royal Family.

Commenting on the passage of amendments to the Customs Bill, which commit the government to fully separating the UK from the EU VAT regime, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

As the results from our Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) demonstrate, 20% of respondents saw export sales increase in Q2 of 2018. Since this comes at a time of uncertainty due to Brexit, other political and economical factors, we should remain positive about international growth in the coming months.

George Hay Chartered Accountants, which has offices in Biggleswade, Letchworth and Huntingdon, recently handed over a cheque for £1,610 to The Luton and Dunstable NICU Parents Accommodation Appeal.

Streets Chartered Accountants, a leading Top 40 accountancy practice, is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of London and Brighton based entertainment specialist accountancy firm

• Over half of UK businesses did not attempt to access finance in the last year
• One-in-two businesses that did seek finance did so because of cash flow
• Investment intentions are focused on incremental investments

Cranfield School of Management’s MBA has been named as one of the top 20 programmes in the world for entrepreneurship by the Financial Times.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today published the two-dozen top real-world questions being asked on Brexit by businesses across the UK – and says the government 

Human Resource Management (HRM) courses at the University of Bedfordshire have been given the seal of approval by the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).

According to ARLA Propertymark, the UK’s professional body for letting agents, a record number of landlords left the rental market during April 2018, despite demand for rental properties increasing.

Commenting on the publication of the NAO report on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), Anastassia Beliakova, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Do you need a boost in your business before the break for summer?

Business owners generally seek advice because they’re struggling in an area of business or they have a specific issue that’s holding them back. Good business advice can really make a business especially if support is sought early enough to help businesses get on, and stay on, the right track.