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

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.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) launched its flagship Chamber Business Awards at the London Stock Exchange. London Chamber of Commerce & Industry members AnyJunk, last year’s winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ award, has the honour of opening the day’s trading.

To keep your business growth strategy steady and alive, it goes without saying that business leaders should always be on the lookout for new opportunities.

We’ve previously written about how to approach networking to get the most out of it. And it’s worth getting it right as it can help you grow your business.

When it comes to international export, there are a number of documents you should familiarise yourself with. In a previous post, we discussed the importance of export documentation and the difference between an ATR, EUR1, and a Certificate of Origin.

Luton continues with its ambitious plans to transform the town with the launch of its new skills programme for young people.

Bartercard has announced it has become the latest member to join Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Bournemouth Chambers of Commerce. This membership will strengthen Bartercard’s commitment to members who trade in these areas.

Local Planning Authorities across the country have been progressing Local Plan preparations to ensure that they meet the Government’s end of March deadline for submission of Local Plans to the Secretary of State and thereby retain control of their housing figures. 

Students from Cranfield School of Management are preparing to compete against their peers from around the world in a global financial management contest.

Cranfield University has been chosen by the Education and Skills Funding Agency to receive Government funding to deliver postgraduate apprenticeships for non-levy paying employers. Non-levy paying employers are businesses with an annual pay bill of under £3 million.

Foxley Kingham, Luton-based chartered accountants and business advisers, today celebrates its 50th anniversary. The company was established by its founding partner, John Kingham, on 1st February 1968 and he was joined at the end of that year by Malcolm Foxley.

With the UK manufacturing PMI and CBI SME trends survey out today, Atul Kariya, head of manufacturing at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, comments on the urgent need to address the growing skills crisis threatening the sector:

There’s huge variety in what businesses need to do to stay successful. Luckily, there’s a lot of information and business support out there to help. So what are the key elements of success that business owners and directors need to focus on?

It’s in our nature as humans to connect and interact with others. But for too many - especially introverts - it can be daunting and intimidating. Others simply don't have the time or knowledge.

Commenting on the speech by David Davis on a transition period after we leave the European Union, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Making the decision to export internationally can be a huge turning point for your business. It opens you up to new markets, increases sales, reduces financial risk, and sets you up for enhanced global credibility.

Commenting on the labour market figures for January 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Face to face networking remains a powerful way to grow your business, perhaps surprisingly in the age of smartphones and social media.

Following parliamentary approval, the planning fee increase came into effect on Wednesday 17th January. All applications will now see an increase of 20% with key cost increases to note: