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

• Manufacturing output in August 2013 was -1.2% on the month, -0.2% on the year
• In the three months to August 2013, manufacturing output rose by 1.2% compared with the previous three months
• The UK deficit on trade in goods and services was £3.3bn in August, compared with a deficit of £3.4bn in July
• There was a deficit of £9.6bn on goods, partly offset by an surplus of £6.3bn on services

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:

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

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.

Commenting on the  speech by the Labour Party leader, the Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

Commenting ahead of the speech by the leader of the Opposition, Ed Miliband, John Longworth, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

• Retail sales volumes for August 2013: down 0.9% on the month; up 2.1% on the year
• The August fall comes after a strong increase in July, and the trend in sales remains clearly upward, with an increase of 1.7% in the three months to August, compared with the previous three months
• Annual inflation in the retail sector slowed from 1.8% in July 2013 to 1.6% in August 2013

Commenting on the MPC decision, announced today by the Bank of England, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Commenting on the publication of an independent review of infrastructure by Sir John Armitt, chairman of the Olympic Development Authority, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said;

Ever felt like telling the government what it’s really like being in business in 2015?

Commenting on today’s GCSE results, John Wastnage, Employment and Skills Adviser at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

Commenting on today’s A-Level results, John Wastnage, Employment and Skills Adviser at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

• In the three months to June 2013, unemployment fell by 4,000, and employment rose by 69,000, compared with the previous quarter
• Long term unemployment is up, with further increases in the number of those unemployed for more than one year and two years
• Youth unemployment has risen by 15,000 in the three months to June, and now stands at 973,000
• In July 2013 the claimant count fell by 29,200, compared with June

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.

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.

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:

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:

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:

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

In an open letter to Mark Carney, who takes over as Bank of England Governor today. BCC Director General, John Longworth, urges him to do more to ensure a stable business environment, which will help to secure the UK’s future competitiveness. 

Commenting on the Spending Round for 2015/16, set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons today (Wednesday), John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

It has been brought to our attention that someone has been calling companies stating that they are from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). They have been asking for a company’s full address as well as more sensitive information.

• Public sector borrowing, excluding transfers from the Bank of England QE scheme, was £12.7bn in May 2013, compared with net borrowing of £15.6bn in May 2012
• Public sector net debt was 75.2% of GDP

The Chamber Awards close for business entries on the 28th June.   Any business entering any of the eight business categories by 21st June 2013 will be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad mini.

• Manufacturing output in April 2013: -0.2% on the month, -0.5% year on year
• Total industrial production in April 2013: +0.1% on the month, -0.6% year on year