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

With less than a month to go, the GDPR deadline is imminent. If you feel far from readiness, rest assured you’re not alone.

Commenting on the GDP figures for Q1 2018, released  by the ONS, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Peli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging, announces it has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2018.  

Only half of businesses believe the UK’s phone network is more reliable than five years ago, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) released today.

Two major new regional distribution centres are to be built in Bedford Borough for popular nationwide retailers which will create an estimated 1,400 new jobs for the area.

On Wednesday 2nd May, London Luton Airport (LLA) will be holding its first “How to Bid for Contracts” event. Local businesses will be able to gain insight from LLA’s procurement team to help them compete during LLA’s tendering process.

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

“Inflation slowed again in March, confirming its downward trajectory. 

Works officially began on the i-Worx project following the sod-cutting ceremony on the 16th April. 

Any business owner knows that their workforce is their most valuable asset. Hard-working, loyal, and dedicated people can be the answer to steadfast growth.

Sitting in back-to-back meetings all day can be excruciating. Especially when the attendees don’t want to be there, there's no particular objective, and the host has failed to prepare a plan of action.

A visit from the senior management team of Monarch Aircraft Engineering Limited to Cranfield University showcased the growing collaboration between the two organisations.

On Tuesday 20th March, a number of local businesses, including solicitors, estate agents and other professional groups, came together once again to compete, in a bid to win the sought-after George Hay Jubilee Shield.

The proliferation of technology - and as a result - heightened accessibility to personal data, has prompted the need for more responsible handling of subject data, hence the approval of the EU GDPR in April 2016.

Today marks the one year countdown until the UK officially leaves the EU. And with the Brexit divorce progressing day-by-day, it’s only natural for business owners to feel uncertain about the future.

You might already be aware of the following legislation and how it can impact your business, but often, executing the changes necessary to comply is a challenge, particularly if you’ve no legal background or support.

Meet Kimberley Nahar Business Growth Enabler at NatWest 

George Hay Chartered Accountants, based in Letchworth, Biggleswade and Huntingdon, recently helped businesses from across Hertfordshire celebrate success at the biz4Biz Awards 2018.

With Brexit negotiations and warnings on the impact on growth hitting the headlines regularly, we’d be forgiven in thinking business is in stalemate in deciding on whether or not to invest in growth.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Monday) upgraded its growth expectations for the UK economy, raising its forecast for GDP from 1.1% to 1.4% in 2018 and from 1.3% to 1.5% for 2019, and its first forecasts for 2020 is for 1.6% growth.

What is Making Tax Digital?

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is part of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) wider digital strategy to make it easier for individuals, businesses and other organisations to ensure their tax affairs are in order.

by James Pinchbeck, Marketing Partner Streets Chartered Accountants.

The Chancellor has delivered his first Spring Statement, which did away with the typical announcements around tax changes and public sector cuts or increased spending. 

So, you’ve set your sights on becoming an Accountant, but you’re unsure about how to land the role you really want?

Foxley Kingham, Luton-based chartered accountants and business advisers, has launched FoxKash, a new independent service designed to provide expert online book keeping support to its clients. 

Commenting on the Spring Statement, delivered today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Addressing the BCC Annual Conference 2018 today, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, will remind the government that the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the UK business community, and country, are not related to exiting the EU, but to the fundamentals in the domestic environment.

Cranfield University and Johnson Matthey have launched a nationwide five-week search for agritech innovation, looking for companies and individuals wanting to take their high-impact innovative technology to the next level.

A recent study by the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has proposed significant new development along a broad corridor linking Oxford in the west with Cambridge in the east. This could extend to one million new homes by the year 2050.