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

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern at opposition to plans to develop London Luton Airport by local interest groups in Hertfordshire saying they ignore the importance of the airport to the local and sub-regional economy.

Manufacturing and engineering are recognised as being vital to the health of our local and national economies.  It's important that Bedfordshire's prominence in these sectors is fostered and developed.

• Business lending fell by £2.1bn in December 2012
• Net lending to business contracted by £18.7bn for the year 2012

Commenting on today’s announcement by the Department for Transport on High Speed 2, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

• GDP in Q4 2012: -0.3% on the quarter; flat on the year
• Manufacturing output: -1.5% on the quarter; -2% on the year
• Services output: flat on the quarter; +1.4% on the year

If you still haven’t sent in your 2011-12 Self Assessment tax return, you’ve got just a few days left to do so and avoid a penalty.

In the three months to November 2012, unemployment fell by 37,000 compared with the previous three months, while employment increased by 90,000.

Commenting on today’s speech on Europe by the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon David Cameron MP, John Longworth, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Business lending fell by £2.8bn in November 2012. Net lending to small business contracted by £6.4bn over the past year. Commenting on the Trends in Lending report, published today by the Bank of England, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

Commenting on the Sickness Absence Review, published today by the Department for Work and Pensions, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Commenting on today’s announcements on the Employment Law Review, published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

Climate Week is a supercharged national campaign to inspire a new wave of action on climate change. It culminates with thousands of events and activities taking place throughout the week of 4 to 10 March 2013, planned by organisations from every part of society. Showcasing real, practical ways to combat climate change, the campaign aims to renew our ambition to create a more sustainable, low-carbon future.

Are you, or do you know, a young person interested in a career in science, engineering or design?   The University Technical College of Central Bedfordshire is holding a Careers and Open Day on Saturday 26th January between 10am-4pm where you can learn more about Year 10 options and progression routes available through the UTC.

New EPC changes came into effect this week which means that an EPC must have been commissioned prior to marketing and obtained within 7 days of the property first being marketed. It is also essential to make the EPC available to prospective buyers and tenants when requested and advertise the EPC’s rating on all advertisements, both print and online. It is no longer necessary, however, to attach the front page of the EPC to written material.

Hypnosis and sales are words rarely seen in the same sentence but Gary Foster, a specialist in sales psychology, can show you how to use some great techniques that will allow you to boost your selling skills.

Ahead of the Prime Minister's long-awaited policy speech on Europe later this month the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has today called for a pragmatic re-negotiation of Britain's relationship with the rest of the EU, reflecting the interests of businesses across the economy.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is offering export trainees the chance to receive accreditation for their learning from the British Chambers of Commerce.

Weather forecasters are predicting snow in the next few weeks with temperatures dropping in some parts of the country to as low as -15 degrees.  If previous experience is anything to go by, the adverse weather conditions are likely to cause massive problems for  businesses and their ability to function, especially those in rural areas and trading estates.

A fully-funded programme, supported by the European Social Fund in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council, is being offered by the University of Bedfordshire. Skills for Growth offers organisations operating in Bedfordshire the opportunity to develop their employees' leadership and management skills.

Robinson & Hall’s Property Auction department is now known as Auction House Beds & Bucks due to joining the country’s largest and fastest growing auctioneers, Auction House UK.

Reacting to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

As we await the delivery of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, the British Chambers of Commerce has set out its list of targeted measures to boost business growth in the UK. Following the downgrade of its growth forecasts for the next two years, the business organisation believes it is more important than ever for the government to pull out all the stops to enable British businesses to access new markets, invest and create jobs.

Commenting on the Richard Review on apprenticeships, Cheryl Smart MBE, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today published a map highlighting the urgent need for action on a range of transport projects needed to boost business growth across the UK.

Commenting on the appointment of current Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney as the future Governor of the Bank of England, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and Externa

Around 300 people from various voluntary agencies together with staff and the general public attended a stunning fundraising ball for The Mary Seacole Housing Association Limited.

This week has been a busy one at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce with the business support organisation hosting three events at their Kimpton Road offices.

The Chamber was used for training by Peter East Associates and for IT and Export courses.