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

Plastic extrusion and moulding manufacturer, Warden Plastics has invested £240,000 in new technology at its Dencora Way factory, Luton to meet customer demand and support future growth.

Commenting on the inflation statistics for January 2017, published on the 14th February by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

Bedford College and Tresham College of Further and Higher Education have begun the process to officially merge. The colleges have been in discussions since autumn last year and a formal decision was made by the board of governors on Thursday 2nd February.

Workplace experts Acas and the Government Equalities Office have launched new guidance to help large businesses in the east of England abide by new gender pay gap regulations, which come into force in April.

The recent fall in the value of Sterling is squeezing domestic sales margins, and increasing the cost base of UK businesses, according to the results of the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) latest International Trade Survey. The findings, released today, also indicate that the weak pound is expected to push up the prices of products and services.

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Budget on March 8, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the government to take action on delivering real reform to the business rates system.

UK companies remain committed to strong trading relationships with European customers and suppliers despite the UK’s vote to leave the EU, according to the results of the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) International Trade Survey, released today.

Only one in 50 automatic fire alarms (AFAs) is caused by a genuine emergency and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) is proposing a change in its policy on responding to AFAs to reflect this.

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s speech on Brexit, Cheryl Smart MBE, Chief Executive of the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said:

Commenting on the inflation figures for December 2016 released today by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Beadlow Manor Juniors saw their already successful season reach new heights when they secured runners up in the England Final of the Junior Team Golf competition. 

Robinson & Hall, Land and Property Professionals detail the top 10 considerations if you own land…..

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today publishes its Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and most authoritative private sector business survey. 

Acas East of England will be hosting our annual Conference for businesses and organisations in Hertfordshire and neighbouring counties: Key Trends & Challenges for HR in 2017 and beyond at the the Rowley Mile Racecourse in Newmarket on 11th January 2017.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Monday) upgraded its UK GDP growth forecast from 1.8% to 2.1% for 2016, and from 1.0% to 1.1% in 2017. However, it has also downgraded expectations for 2018 from 1.8% to 1.4%.

As part of the Local Plan examination process, Capital & Regional has set out a vision for a multi-functional town centre, thriving daytime and evening, seven days a week, and has shown that Luton can achieve economic growth in the town centre, adapting to changing 21^st century lifestyles without relying on out-of-centre development.

Giving his full reaction to the Autumn Statement, Adam Marshall, BCC Director General, said:

“Philip Hammond has delivered a responsible, solid and focused package that will reassure both business and markets.

Adam Marshall, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce (November 2016)

Following the launch of the "Right to Rent" Scheme in February 2016 which required checks on new tenants and prohibited private landlords renting their residential properties to certain people based on their immigration status, further legislation known as the "Immigration Act 2016" is due to come into force from December 2016.

Energy is a major overhead for many companies, especially in manufacturing, but it’s always been difficult deciding whether to have a fixed price or flexible contract.

Pictured are some of the Peli BioThermal team who took part in Cycle to Work Day.

Robinson Hall have just completed the project management for the conversion of a damp and dark basement to a light, airy and vibrant exhibition space at Bunyan Meeting.

• In the three months to August 2016, employment rose by 106,000 and unemployment increased by 10,000
• The unemployment rate was 4.9%, down from 5.4% a year ago
• The claimant count in September 2016 rose by 700 compared with August 2016

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Adam Marshall as its new Director General with immediate effect. Adam initially took on the role on an Acting basis following the resignation of John Longworth in March 2016, and was appointed to the role on a permanent basis following a robust recruitment process.

Commenting on Chancellor Philip Hammond’s speech, Adam Marshall, Acting Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

The economic impact reports outline the proposed plans to relocate Luton Town FC's current football stadium from Kenilworth Road to a site at Power Court in the centre of Luton and for the development of Newlands Park near Junction 10 of the M1.

THSP Risk Management from Bedfordshire, has been crowned one of the winners in the eastern region heats of the Chamber Business Awards 2016. Now in their 13^th year, the Awards are a highlight of the business calendar, and they pay tribute to the key role that local businesses play in driving the UK economy.