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

Commenting on the options for a third runway outlined by Heathrow Airport today, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Engineers at Millbrook Proving Ground, one of Europe’s leading locations for testing and developing every type of land vehicle, from motorcycles and passenger cars to heavy commercial, military and agricultural vehicles, will be showcasing their PEMS (Portable Emissions Measurement System) capability at LCV2013.

Earlier this year, the British Olympic Authority relaxed the rules that banned non-sponsors from advertising their links to the London 2012 games. However, a large number of small firms were rejected when they applied for licences to promote their Olympic work. These firms remain barred from using the Olympics to promote their business and grow their exports.

Commenting on the Transport Secretary’s announcement of reforms to the way Britain’s road network is managed, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Bedford-based Conservation By Design (CXD), has strengthened its portfolio of conservation storage, equipment and display equipment with the acquisition of Armour Systems, a specialist manufacturer of museum display cases and cabinets.

Commenting on the publication of a government discussion paper on company ownership, following commitments made at the recent G8 Summit in Northern Ireland, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

The Business Centre was originally built as the headquarters of the then Vauxhall Iron Works in 1907 to designs by H B Cresswell.   Many visitors have memories of the building when it was owned by Vauxhall  and it is agreed to be one of the finest buildings in Luton.

If you are looking to purchase low carbon equipment to improve energy efficiency in your business or are looking for advice on how to reduce your business's carbon footprint, WENTA have a grants available up to £7, 500

Could you explain the benefits of employing an apprentice to other businesses?  Bedford Borough Council are looking for Apprenticeship Ambassadors as the area is currently experiencing relatively low numbers of new apprentice opportunities being created and are working hard to encourage local businesses to reap the benefits that employing an apprentice can bring

The University of Bedfordshire's Students Union is seeking a Welfare and Advice Caseworker.  The successful candidate will provide comprehensive advice to students covering a variety of topics including academic policies/procedures, money advice, housing advice, welfare benefits and student finance.

Bedfordshire African Community Centre is recruiting for three posts:  Project Adminstrator, Outreach Worker and Training and Development Officer.

Wyboston Lakes Executive Centre is one of only 33 conference and meetings venues nationwide - and the only one in Bedfordshire - to achieve the highly prized ‘VenueVerdict Gold Standard’ accreditation in results published this month by BDRC Continental, the UK’s largest independent market research agency.

Commenting on Business Secretary Vince Cable’s statement regarding the flotation of Royal Mail, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Commenting on the publication of the sixth Statement of New Regulation (SNR), Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Manufacturing output in May 2013: -0.8% on the month, -2.9% on the year
Total industrial production is 0.0% on the month, -2.3% on the year

Employees from two Chamber members are cycling from John O' Groats to Land's End to raise money for The Alzheimers Society.   Steve Collinson from Admiral,  and Duncan Jack from Workflow are hoping to raise £5000 for the charity by completing the ride of 875 miles in just four days!

Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) interest rate decision, the first under the new Governor Mark Carney, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

• BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2013 shows further progress, with most key balances stronger than in Q1 2013.
• Service export deliveries balance rose to +36%,  the highest level since the survey began in 1989
• UK business remains resilient, and confidence is rising, despite most balances remaining below their pre-recession levels in 2007

Groundwork Luton & Bedfordshire is part of Groundwork Hertfordshire which is an independent environmental charity which is part of a UK-wide Federation of Trusts that builds sustainable communities in areas of need. 

The second event for this important Bedfordshire sector group is being supported by Bedford Borough Council.   Speakers will include Briton EMS and Growth Accelerator.  Open to both members and non-members , you will have the opportunity to meet and network with like-minded businesses, sharing concerns and working together to boost the local and national economies.

In an open letter to Mark Carney, who takes over as Bank of England Governor today. BCC Director General, John Longworth, urges him to do more to ensure a stable business environment, which will help to secure the UK’s future competitiveness. 

Business in Bedfordshire is on the up! That was the message from Rod Calvert OBE, Chairman of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce at the business support organisation’s annual Members’ Summer Reception.

Defence and industry representatives involved in the land equipment sector gathered at Millbrook Proving Ground last week (19^th & 20^th June) to showcase innovative and efficient solutions for the support, upkeep and development of land equipment and capabilities that will feature in the Army 2020 structure.

Are you a keen cyclist?  Why not enjoy the challenge of a ride from London to Brussels via Amsterdam while raising money for child bereavement charity CHUMS? 

Chamber member Kier Homes, based in Sandy, has won a Silver Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) , for its occupational and safety management standards.

Commenting on the Spending Round for 2015/16, set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons today (Wednesday), John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

It has been brought to our attention that someone has been calling companies stating that they are from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). They have been asking for a company’s full address as well as more sensitive information.

The Local Enterprise Agency SEMLEP is recruiting for two posts:  Business and Economic Analyst and Head of Business Development.

• Public sector borrowing, excluding transfers from the Bank of England QE scheme, was £12.7bn in May 2013, compared with net borrowing of £15.6bn in May 2012
• Public sector net debt was 75.2% of GDP