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

Chamber business leaders from across the United Kingdom have today written to the Prime Minister calling for a renewed focus on tackling the barriers to growth and investment in the United Kingdom - and a radical plan for action.

Google the term plastic pollution and you’ll be jolted into the horrifying realisation of what un-recycled plastic is doing to our delicate planet. The enormity of the plastic epidemic is having devastating effects on wildlife, the ocean and as a result, us.

Luton Council have built a new skills platform, and are now at a stage to add your organisation (if you wish) on to the system.

The business landscape is notoriously disruptive, volatile and unpredictable. And for businesses to withstand this level of uncertainty, it’s not enough to simply have the best product, the best price, or even the best service.

Machins Solicitors LLP, one of Luton’s most established law firms, will be moving from its Victoria Street office, to new offices on Dunstable Road, Luton.

Foxley Kingham, Luton-based chartered accountants and business advisers, has announced its selected charity partners, who will benefit from a year of fund raising to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary.

Hilary Chipping has been appointed as Chief Executive, having held the position as acting Chief Executive since January 2018.

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.