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

We’ve identified that your business is affected by P272. This new legislation is a change to the way your bill is calculated and a great opportunity to control your costs.

Chambers of Commerce across the UK are participating in a government funded project - Your Future. Bedfordshire Chamber will be holding two of these events on 19th November 2015 at Kings House, Bedford and 25th February 2016 at UK Centre for Carnival Arts, Luton from 9am to 4pm.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has upgraded its UK GDP growth forecast for the next three years, from 2.3% to 2.6% in 2015, 2.6% to 2.7% in 2016, and 2.6% to 2.7% in 2017. The principal driver for the leading business group’s forecast upgrade is stronger than previously expected growth in both the UK’s service sector and consumer spending.

Access to finance is still a barrier to exporting for UK firms, a report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has found. In its annual International Trade Survey, the BCC found that 60% of potential exporters cite general access to finance as a key factor in their plans to export goods or services.

To coincide with the start of the new school term, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to put thousands of young people in England directly in touch with local businesses, to improve the quality of careers advice they receive.

Are you a manufacturing or engineering company based in the LU postcode?  If so, would you be interested in a fully funded student working with you with no financial outlay?

The recent growth of jobs in the UK is a great success story. However, in order for this growth to be sustained and to translate into real tangible benefits for business and the economy, there needs to be a real investment in training and skills.

A £50,000 Velocity grant has prompted a £1million investment in pioneering new technologies, propelling a Bedford electronics firm to the forefront of its industry.

The Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that the fourth British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) International Trade Conference will take place on 3 November 2015, at the Grand Connaught Rooms, in London

The UK government has taken a number of positive steps to support British business in the first parliamentary session since the election - but there are some areas of serious concern that remain unaddressed, says the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), one of the UK's largest and most influential business groups.

The Chancellor has delivered the first all Conservative budget since 1996 and seems to have provided a balance that seeks to eliminate the deficit but also maintain the stimulus to support a growing economy.

• The BCC's economic survey for Q2 2015 indicates continued UK economic growth, but highlights sharp differences between manufacturing and services.
• In services, the results remain broadly positive and signal growth.
• But in manufacturing, virtually all the key national balances recorded declines.

Currency expert, Moneycorp, offers an insight into the fast moving world of foreign exchange.

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Budget announcement on Wednesday 8 July, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the government to commit to rebuilding Britain’s infrastructure, bringing to an end our ‘make-do and mend’ culture.

The University of Bedfordshire, Careers & Employability Service now have a dedicated placements team in recognition of the fact that work placements offer an unrivalled learning experience for students and an opportunity for employers to establish a tried and tested talent pipeline of the most ambitious undergraduates.

The British Chambers of Commerce has downgraded its UK GDP growth forecast for 2015 from 2.7% to 2.3%, following weaker than expected growth at the start of the year. However, the BCC believes the slowdown is temporary and the prospects over the medium term remain steady, with GDP growth predicted to be 2.6% in 2016 and 2017.

Giving his reaction to the Queen’s Speech delivered today, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

• Businesses stand firm on staying within the EU, but reforms are essential.
• John Longworth, BCC Director General says “whoever forms the next government must put EU reform at the top of the agenda”. It is vital that the next government sets their intentions to protect the United Kingdom against the prospect of being “in a club, where all the decisions are made by, and for, the Eurozone.”

Businesses who make the leap into international markets are reaping the rewards, according to an international trade survey being published today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

• BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey is the first major economic indicator of the year, and is closely watched by the Bank of England and the Treasury.
• Manufacturing and services firms reported somewhat weaker Q1 results in most areas (including exports, domestic markets and investment), but this follows very strong findings in Q4 2014.

This year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is proud to be hosting its twelfth annual Chamber Awards.

Commenting on Budget 2015, delivered today by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Wyboston Lakes has achieved 35th position in this year’s The Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to work for’ List. This is the second year that Wyboston Lakes has ranked in the top 100, this year moving from 69th to 35th place.

Businesses who want to test their ability to survive a crisis like a major fire, power cut or a flu epidemic can make use of free resources from the Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum (BLLRF) during Business Continuity Awareness Week (16-20 March).

GEFCO UK has become a key logistics provider to Laminar Medica, experts in the design, test, manufacture and qualification of insulated shipping systems, used by the pharmaceutical and biotech industries globally. 

• 58% of UK exporters believe their profitability will increase in the next 12 months
• The majority of exporting firms (81%) tried to recruit staff at the end of 2014
• John Longworth: ‘British exporters are rising to the challenge despite the uncertain global outlook.’

• Networking event links 44 local companies with London Luton Airport’s extensive supply chain
  
• Local firms set to reap benefits from LLA’s £100m development programme
  
• Event raises £2,500 for charity partner Sue Ryder

• The balances for businesses that tried to recruit staff were at an all-time high in Q4
• John Longworth says that businesses are well placed to grow in 2015, but their optimism may not last if ‘political point scoring’ outweighs sound economic policies during the election campaign

Commenting on the Autumn Statement, delivered today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

Bedfordshire-based learning and development company Clarity 4D has been asked to create a series of unique personal profiles for the Oman Football Association, as a direct result of attending a UKTI Trade Mission to the Middle East.