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

Ahead of A-Level results, the BCC calls for greater contact between young people and business to help pupils make better informed career choices. The business organisation set all MPs the challenge of finding first hand from employers what prevents them from hiring young people.

EV driving visitors to the Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle 2013 event will again be offered free recharging while they browse the show, thanks to APT Controls and the Source East Network which operates across the East of England.

Executive Councillors today recommended that Central Bedfordshire Council pledge £5.18m in support of the East West Rail Scheme.

The UK’s first entirely electric pay-per-use car club has arrived in Luton. E-Car Club has been designed to provide local businesses and the wider community with the convenience and flexibility of full-sized electric cars and vans without the high cost of owning them. And all with the lowest emissions in the market today.

BIS are giving businesses the opportunity to raise particular issues that they would like to see addressed in upcoming trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States. To help guide your feedback they  have provided a short questionnaire.

The University of Bedfordshire's Knowledge Hub is offering a fully funded training opportunity aimed at creative, manufacturing, engineering, airport, aerospace and IT sector SMEs in Luton.

Manufacturing output in June 2013: +1.9% on the month, +2.0% on the year
Total industrial production: +1.1% on the month, +1.2% on the year

As a part of the EXHUME project  composites manufacturers are being invited  to take part in the Waste Mapping Workshop.

The workshop offer creation of process models that show material flows in a composites factory and highlight material usage and scrap generation that will allow identifying opportunities for material reuse within/across sectors.

A survey of more than 4,500 businesses released today  by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) shows that the number of exporting firms continues to increase. The survey also shows that those who ‘think global’, either because they have previously worked abroad or they collaborate with international partners in business, are far more likely to export than those with little international experience.

• GDP growth in Q2 2013: +0.6% on the quarter, +1.4% on the year
• Services growth is +0.6% on the quarter, +2.1% on the year
• Manufacturing growth is +0.4% on the quarter, -0.9% on the year
• Construction output is +0.9% on the quarter, -1.0% on the year

An EU regulation taskforce led by Business Innovation and Skills Minister Michael Fallon is looking for UK firms to help identify unnecessary EU regulations. The taskforce is asking businesses of all sizes and within all sectors to submit evidence of European rules and regulations that create unnecessary barriers to competitiveness,  including barriers to:

Is your shop regularly targeted by thieves?  Are light-fingered customers crippling your business?  Would you like some FREE professional help to deter shoplifters once and for all?

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is delighted to announce that the second International Trade Conference will take place on October 17 2013 at Central Hall, Westminster. Bringing together some of the UK’s high growth exporters, business leaders and leading policy makers the Conference will provide insight on the challenges and opportunities of trading internationally.

Related Bedfordshire and Luton is a local independent charity entirely devoted to building stronger relationships. They are seeking to recruit a Board Member who is self-motivated and forward thinking to help drive their organisation.

Sandy based health and safety and employment law consultancy THSP is pleased to announce the appointment of Glen London as it expands its support for clients for Employment Relations and Employment Law advice.

Commenting on the announcement of the new framework for delivery of traineeships by Skills Minister Matthew Hancock, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

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:

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