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

Every year, following the 31 January Self Assessment (SA) deadline, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) receives a number of imaginative and intriguing excuses for not completing tax returns on time. Each year also sees some widely optimistic expense claims. Recent excuses include:

team BEDS&LUTON (tB&L) is a dynamic, high performing and forward thinking organisation passionate about helping people get active and stay active in Bedfordshire. 

Whether you have a business idea, are starting or scaling up your business for rapid growth, equity investment can be a viable source of funding.

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

In the month of January, Machins Employment Team are offering your business a free health check of your employment contracts and staff policies.

MHA MacIntyre Hudson’s corporate finance team has had another busy few months, with a number of ongoing transactions, as well as the completion of the investment into Blue Skies by private equity firm 8 Miles, and the sale of CDA Auction Group to Arctos Holdings. 

A local firm of Chartered Accountants has helped celebrate the successes of the UK’s Small Businesses at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today slightly downgraded its three-year outlook for the UK economy, cutting growth expectations from 1.6% to 1.5% in 2017, from 1.2% to 1.1% in 2018, and from 1.4% to 1.3% in 2019.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) releases the results of its survey, in partnership with American Express, which finds the majority of businesses expect the fall in sterling to increase their costs.

The planning system in England is more complex, costly and difficult for business than it was 5 years ago, according to a major report published today by the British Chambers of Commerce.

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.