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

The British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with DHL, today publishes its latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook, based on survey and documentation data from UK exporters.

While measures around the UK’s high-tech economy and a dramatic cut to Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) for first-time buyers dominated Philip Hammond’s Budget, George Hay Chartered Accountants, which has offices in Biggleswade, Letchworth and Huntingdon, has criticised the lack of support for SMEs.

Continuing the success of the last two Graduate Development Programmes, and the very positive outcomes for several of our graduates last year following the GDP, we are once again offering the opportunity for our Class of 2017.

Giving his reaction to the Autumn Budget, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Giving his initial reaction to the Autumn Budget, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

I am writing to invite you to join our fundraising campaign for Hockwell Ring Boxing Club Luton.

Ahead of the Budget on November 22, the British Chambers of Commerce is urging the Chancellor to provide respite for businesses in every corner of the country by freezing business rates for the next two years.

Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Opel Automobile GmbH, announced the strategic plan PACE! to restore financial fundamentals and enhance sustainable competitiveness and growth.

Small and medium-sized businesses across the SEMLEP (South-East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership) area are being invited to a showcase event at Cranfield University, being held on 4 December 2017.

Commenting on the trade statistics for September, released today by the ONS, Mike Spicer, Director of Research Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Commenting on today’s interest rate decision by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, Mike Spicer, Director of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

As part of our business support offer, we continue to run the Autumn / winter ERDF business growth workshops.

Many people are familiar with the requirement to obtain planning consent when they plan to adapt, extend, construct or change the use of their building; but once planning consent has been achieved how many people read the small print advising that Building Regulations Consent may also be required.

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget on November 22, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the government to take immediate action to halt the expected 3.9% increase in business rates valuations next year, as part of a bold Budget that seeks to boost the UK’s productivity.

• New community bank and DRIVE-THRU to open in Luton
• Grand Opening celebrations to take place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 October
• Over 6,000 safe deposit boxes on offer

A community vineyard run almost entirely by volunteers has won a national award. Warden Abbey Vineyard in Bedfordshire earned the runner-up trophy in the Social Enterprise/Community Project category in this year’s Rural Business Awards 2017.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today publishes its Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and most authoritative private-sector business survey.

Record-breaking 73,349 votes decide the nation’s favourite parks and show how much people #LoveParks.

Commenting on the trade statistics for September 2017, released today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Congratulations go to Andrew Jenkinson, Partner & Rural Surveyor at Robinson & Hall, Land and Property Professionals, who was crowned Farm Adviser of the Year 2017 at the Farmers Weekly Awards last week.

Six months after its introduction, businesses remain in the dark about how best to utilise the Apprenticeship Levy, according to a survey released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in conjunction with Middlesex University London.

Following an incredibly successful first half of the 2017/18 financial year and with predictions for a record year in terms of bookings and delegate numbers, Center Parcs has restructured its Corporate Events Team to meet the increasing level of demand from new and existing corporate bookers.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce members, Kimm and Miller and Jam Crackers, have been crowned Winners of 2 categories in the East of England Regional heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2017.  Now in their 14^th year, the Awards are a highlight of the business calendar, recognising the key role that local businesses play in driving the UK economy.

MHA MacIntyre Hudson and Lloyds Bank Plc have launched their much anticipated Manufacturing Survey Report for 2017/18. Our survey highlights that, 65% of respondents have achieved revenue growth this last year, compared with 50% the year before.

About Rett UK

The Learning Partnership is becoming part of The Bedford College Group. The partnership will help secure community education funding opportunities.

Half of UK businesses have faced skills or labour shortages in the last year, but only a minority are actively looking overseas to fill vacancies, according to a survey released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Middlesex University London. 

I don’t know if it’s one of those British things, but talking about ‘culture’ is something we do in a strangulated whisper, as though someone’s got their hands up our back squeezing the syllables out of us.