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

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the findings of a review into stimulating UK growth by Lord Heseltine.  Lord Heseltine conducted a wide ranging review of activities and recommended increased use of the capacity, skills and experience of Chambers of Commerce.

 A survey released today by the British Chambers of Commerce reveals falling levels of trust in financial institutions among businesses. The results, comprising responses from 1,560 businesses, show that although banks and building societies are the main source of finance for firms, half of businesses lack trust in these financial institutions. 

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is preparing to welcome its members to its annual Members’ Showcase and AGM. The event is a great opportunity for members new, old and prospective to meet, network and find out more about Chamber services. As in previous years, some members have taken advantage of the opportunity to exhibit with a range of businesses taking stands.

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

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. 

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Economic developments in the eurozone is top of the list of issues businessowners believe will affect their firm this year and next, according to a poll of almost 2,000 firms released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Over half (52%) of firms believe that the eurozone crisis will have a significant influence on their business in 2012 and 2013, followed closely by cuts to UK public sector budgets (46% of businesses), and access to finance (42% of businesses).

Commenting on reports that the government’s consultation on aviation capacity will be delayed, Cheryl Smart MBE, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said:

Commenting on the announcement of new guarantee schemes to kick-start infrastructure projects and support exports,Cheryl Smart MBE, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said: