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

Commenting on Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin's decision to cancel and re-run the competition to run the West Coast Main Line,Cheryl Smart MBE, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said:

A specialist in minibus conversions is proving that ‘Business is Good for Britain’ after bouncing back from Government cuts to post impressive growth.

As the local newspaper industry launches its highly acclaimed Local Business Accelerators campaign led by Deborah Meaden of Dragon’s Den, new research shows that Britain’s young businesses are positive about prospects for growth despite tough economic times but they still need advice and support.

The British Chambers of Commerce’s new Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) released today (Tuesday) shows that economic growth in the UK remains weak,with the Q3 results slightly worse than the previous quarter. 

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is kicking off its Real Time Information (RTI) awareness campaign this month. This includes writing to employers running the 278,767 Pay As You Earn (PAYE) schemes in the East of England.

Bedfordshire Chamber member Hayward Tyler is featured on the front page of a new website set up by the British Chambers of Commerce.  The website is part of the BCC's Business is Good for Britain campaign.

Zest Solutions has secured contracts to bring the digital age to the elderly within Avery, Orchard and Twin Globe care homes throughout the UK.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has released the results of a survey of more than 5,000 businesses, which found that 94% of firms have been paid late, with one in four reporting that over 40% of their payments were not received on time.

Wenta, the local enterprise agency for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, were last week awarded the National Award for ‘Future of Enterprise Support’ at the National Enterprise Network’s (NEN) annual awards ceremony. 

What is the HMRC R&D tax credit/rebate scheme? An EU initiative allowing companies to recover development costs invested in innovative product and manufacturing processes. almost £1.1bn has already been given back to UK companies during 2010-2011, over £7.0bn since 2000. 

After four years of studying for a Rural Resource Management degree and MsC in Rural Land and Business Management at Reading University, Amelia joins Robinson & Hall as Assistant Rural Surveyor.

Innovative use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship are a “matter of survival” for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to succeed online.

The Department of Health is keen to hear from any SMEs that have experience of providing goods or services to the Department on how easy it was to do business with the Department and from  any SMEs that wish to explore opportunities of working with the Department of Health.

Commenting on Danny Alexander's speech to the Liberal Democrat Party conference, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Taxpayers who failed to submit tax returns have only one week left to take up a special opportunity being offered by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is trumpeting all things Elephant and all things Asian with a mammoth celebration of Elephant Appreciation Weekend to help raise vital funds for elephant conservation and research projects.  The event takes place on both Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September 2012 from 10am to 5.30pm.

Commenting on Vince Cable’s industrial strategy speech, Cheryl Smart MBE, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said:

East Anglian Air Ambulance have a helicopter landing at Rufus Centre Saturday 6 October 2012  between 10am and 11:30am.  There will be other attractions while the helicopter is at the centre included  a WWII jeep, a miniature working steam engine and displays by various supporter companies (indoor and out) – including current confirmations by Pro Direct Beauty, the Womens Institute and Vauxhall.

The stunning Sculpture Gallery at Woburn Abbey is set to welcome six of the West End's top stars, led by Earl Carpenter, to perform songs from the world's most successful musicals including Les Miserables, We Will Rock You, Sweet Charity, Aspects of Love and Wicked.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce’s umbrella body, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has responded to the government’s housing and planning announcements by saying that liberalising restrictions is a step in the right direction.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is currently recruiting for at least one Committee Member to join the Committee for the East of England.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for individuals with a strong commitment to and enthusiasm for the UK’s diverse heritage and in particular that of the East of England.

Over the past couple of months Central Bedfordshire College has built up a strong relationship with Morrisons PLC and the Job Centre Plus.  This has resulted in a worthwhile initiative to train and recruit local people to the new Morrisons store which will open shortly in Houghton Regis.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has  published a paper setting out the detailed case for the establishment of a state-backed British Business Bank.

Bill Rammell takes over as Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire on 1 September.

The former Minister for Higher Education said making university accessible was at the core of his vision alongside improving student experience and expanding internationalisation.

Calling all business owners? Do you have children over the age of 18? Would you like your children to learn the ropes of the family business? Are you keen to kick-start their career?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is currently consulting on two proposed changes:

Lord Young is leading a review into barriers holding back SME growth. The key areas the review will focus on are HR, finance, new markets, business planning, and subsequent issues around these that affect businesses as they grow.

The BCC will be responding to the call for evidence and we are keen to hear views from members on two issues in particular:

University of Bedfordshire student Natalie Sibley has been crowned Student Employee of the Year.  Natalie, aged 22, from Melksham, Wilts, is studying for an MSc in Tourism and Events Manager at the University and is also a part-time Recruitment Services Advisor.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce member Zest Solutions are celebrating success and business growth after winning contracts with two of the country’s largest care home operators, Orchard Care Homes and Twinglobe Care Homes Ltd.

Commenting on the opening of the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS), John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“We hope that the Funding for Lending scheme will incentivise banks to lend and address some of the problems faced by businesses in accessing finance. We’re pleased to see a more imaginative approach to providing cheaper lending to businesses and it is a welcome step forward.