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

• In September 2013, public sector net borrowing, excluding effects of financial interventions, was £1bn lower than in September 2012
• In the first six months of the current financial year, cumulative borrowing on a comparable basis was £5.9bn lower than in the corresponding period of the last financial year
• In September 2013, public sector net debt, excluding effects of financial interventions, was 75.9% of GDP

There are just days left to send your 2012/13 paper tax return to HM Revenue Customs (HMRC), if you want to beat the 31 October deadline and avoid a penalty.

Commenting on the announcement that a new nuclear power plant will be built at Hinkley Point in Somerset, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

SEMLEP is looking for a new private sector director to join its Board. Applicants will ideally have current experience of running a growing and successful business or social enterprise, be able to commit sufficient time and give leadership to help deliver SEMLEP's objectives.

To coincide with the announcement of the acquisition of Millbrook by Rutland Partners, the organisation has unveiled the progression of Millbrook’s brand image through a completely new website and enhanced logo.

• BCC’s Director General, John Longworth, gives keynote speech at business group’s International Trade Conference
• Vince Cable; Chuka Umunna; Carolyn McCall, CEO, easyJet; David Milner, CEO Tyrrells Crisps; and Lord Bilamoria, Chairman, Cobra Beer confirmed as guest speakers

Chamber member Interfoam Ltd is in celebratory mood after achieving an industry quality standard.  Interfoam  recognised the importance of Business Management Systems to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our operation, and are currently registered to ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management and ISO 14001: 2004 Environmental Management and has maintained these systems for many years.

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Central Bedfordshire Council has published its Procurement Pipeline.  The document is a forward look at the goods and services Central Bedfordshire Council intends to procure over the coming years. The Procurement Pipeline covers procurement over £10,000 in value.

Commenting on the publication of the report, ‘Cut EU red tape’, which has been published by the Business Taskforce today (Tuesday), Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) have created a business guide to auto-enrolment, designed to help employers plan for legal changes to workplace pensions. 

Commenting on the Chancellor's announcement to simply and streamline visa applications, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

As Bedford-based business, Conservation By Design, celebrates its 21st anniversary, it has also created a special birthday present to mark the centenary of the Bedfordshire & Luton Archives & Records Service.

The Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is organising a Business Crime Prevention Conference on the 29th November. We are privileged to have Olly Martins, Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Colette Paul, Bedfordshire Chief Constable together with business experts from banking and IT fully supporting and leading the event. 

Would you be interested in advertising to consumers and businesses that travel along a busy section of road in the Luton area?

Do you have an innovative business idea that supports the environment?  The Incuba Business Support and Learning Centre, being opened in Dunstable by Central Bedfordshire Council, is running a  Green Business and Innovation Competition.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce member THSP (The Health and Safety People) is delighted to announce exciting changes to its Employment Law services which now includes an enhanced level of benefits for its clients.

Rutland Partners is pleased to announce that on 1 October 2013 it exchanged contracts with General Motors (“GM”) for the acquisition of Millbrook Proving Ground Limited (“Millbrook”) for an undisclosed amount with additional funds being made available for the development of new facilities.

Wyboston Lakes, the UK’s largest privately owned single-site specialist conference and training venue, has created its own Training Academy. This new venture sees the venue partnering with several established and leading providers of proven training and development solutions across the spectrum of management learning and development. The partnership creates a single source through which organisations can find advanced, development programmes and award-winning, dedicated facilities.

Commenting on Prime Minister David Cameron's speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Tom Edwards, Commissioning Editor, Factual Features and Formats, has commissioned Twofour to produce a third series of hit BBC TWO series Alex Polizzi - The Fixer.

A gracious 17^th Jacobean style building, recently refurbished rooms, beautiful grounds and an award winning restaurant – Letchworth Hall Hotel offers all this and more. The hotel has recently had a complete change of management and undergone significant refurbishment.

Chamber members, Stoten Gillam Limited recently marked their 50^th Anniversary with a celebration at the Old Palace Lodge hotel in Dunstable. 

Commenting on the speech made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Conservative Party Conference today (Monday), John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

• Total business lending (loans and overdrafts) fell by £3.8bn in August 2013, the largest fall since December 2012
• SME lending fell by £0.7bn in August 2013

As the Conservative Party Conference gets underway in Manchester, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is today (Monday) issuing a clear message to the Prime Minister and his colleagues to ‘get moving’ on the delivery of pro-growth policies that will benefit the nation as a whole.

As the UK’s international hub airport, Heathrow connects businesses across the country to crucial growth markets.   For 16 years, Heathrow Business Summit (formerly Heathrow Meet the Buyer) Heathrow has been enabling business to be done through annual business summits. To date, it has helped businesses win around £90 million in new business. 

Did you know that you can be alerted to procurement opportunities at Luton Borough Council?  The council has an online portal where you can register to receive auto alerts.   It provides a simple, secure and efficient means for managing tendering and quotation activities reducing the time and effort required for both buyers and suppliers.

Why not join Ramada Encore Luton Airport for your office Christmas celebrations? But hurry! The hotel has only three dates with spaces for Christmas joiner party nights (6th, 7th and 20th December).  The price is £19.50 per person to include a 3 course carvery and disco.

The BCC's International Trade Conference, on the 17th October 2013 at Central Westminster Hall, London, will bring together 500 high growth exporters, SMEs, business leaders and leading policy makers.  This unique event will provide an opportunity to hear from experienced exporters as they share their expertise on how to build a successful global brand, enter new market and access finance along with other topical themes surrounding the export agenda.