News

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

How are millennial CEOs disrupting the business environment?

It used to be that a CEO would reach the top spot after years of having worked their way steadily up the corporate ladder. People would stay in one organisation for their entire career, and their experience and dedication to the business would earn them that coveted top spot.

Read More

4 key characteristics of an adaptable business

Do you, as a leader, fear change?

Perhaps you've noticed employees are becoming stuck in their ways. Or things have become stagnant.

Does a "this is the way we’ve always done things" attitude permeate the business?

Read More

EFM launches business growth advisory service – EFM Growth

Luton, Bedfordshire: EFM announces the launch of their new business advisory division, EFM Growth. Separate from their more financially focused counterpart, EFM Growth is a new venture with a specialist team, working alongside business owners to support their growth strategy and overcome a wide range of commercial problems. 

Read More

Uncertainty bites as survey shows UK economy stuck in a rut

Attempted recruitment in services firms at lowest for 25 years

The British Chambers of Commerce’s quarterly economic survey – the UK’s largest private sector survey of business sentiment, and a lead indicator of UK GDP growth - shows little to be cheerful about as growth flatlines and business confidence weakens.

Read More

5 ways a Chamber of Commerce contributes to business growth

The Chamber of Commerce has been in existence for over 100 years. And in that time it has used its power and resources to support, enable and elevate businesses around the globe. But today, the Chamber of Commerce conjures up very different meanings for different people.

Read More

Local businesses and trainers join forces in business skills workshops

Starting now until November, Velocity Growth Hub has brought together local business owners and trainers in a programme of new, fully-funded business skills workshops that combine local business knowledge and expert training to give you the best client experience.

Read More

BCC Economic Forecast: UK set for weakest year of GDP growth since 2009

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today slightly downgraded its growth expectations for the UK economy, forecasting GDP growth for 2018 at 1.3% (from 1.4%) 

Read More

5 steps to future-proof your business

The business landscape is notoriously disruptive, volatile and unpredictable. And for businesses to withstand this level of uncertainty, it’s not enough to simply have the best product, the best price, or even the best service.

Read More

Major New Inward Investments by Aldi and B&M to Create 1,400 New Jobs in Bedford Borough

Two major new regional distribution centres are to be built in Bedford Borough for popular nationwide retailers which will create an estimated 1,400 new jobs for the area.

Read More

What does a post-Brexit world mean for SMEs?

Today marks the one year countdown until the UK officially leaves the EU. And with the Brexit divorce progressing day-by-day, it’s only natural for business owners to feel uncertain about the future.

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Meet Kimberley Nahar Business Growth Enabler at NatWest

Meet Kimberley Nahar Business Growth Enabler at NatWest 

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Now is the best time to aim for growth

With Brexit negotiations and warnings on the impact on growth hitting the headlines regularly, we’d be forgiven in thinking business is in stalemate in deciding on whether or not to invest in growth.

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Adam Marshall: Ambitious growth plan for UK more important to business than Brexit

Addressing the BCC Annual Conference 2018 today, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, will remind the government that the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the UK business community, and country, are not related to exiting the EU, but to the fundamentals in the domestic environment.

Read More

BCC launches Chamber Business Awards at London Stock Exchange

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) launched its flagship Chamber Business Awards at the London Stock Exchange. London Chamber of Commerce & Industry members AnyJunk, last year’s winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ award, has the honour of opening the day’s trading.

Read More

5 business strategy examples that can drive business growth

To keep your business growth strategy steady and alive, it goes without saying that business leaders should always be on the lookout for new opportunities.

Read More

The top 4 benefits of networking

We’ve previously written about how to approach networking to get the most out of it. And it’s worth getting it right as it can help you grow your business.

Read More

Key elements of business success

There’s huge variety in what businesses need to do to stay successful. Luckily, there’s a lot of information and business support out there to help. So what are the key elements of success that business owners and directors need to focus on?

Read More

Know Your EBITDA – top tips to get your business investment-ready

Whether you have a business idea, are starting or scaling up your business for rapid growth, equity investment can be a viable source of funding.

Read More

Velocity Growth Hub ERDF Business Growth Workshops

As part of our business support offer, we continue to run the Autumn / winter ERDF business growth workshops.

Read More

NEW VELOCITY GROWTH HUB ERDF BUSINESS GROWTH WORKSHOPS LAUNCHED

As part of our business support offer, we officially launch the Autumn / Winter ERDF business growth workshops.

Read More

BCC election manifesto: Brexit and Beyond

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today launched ‘Brexit and Beyond’, the Chamber Network manifesto for General Election 2017.

Read More

Quarterly Economic Survey: Solid economic growth likely in Q1 but inflation remains a key risk

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

Read More

BCC launches Chamber Business Awards at London Stock Exchange

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has  launched its flagship Chamber Business Awards at London Stock Exchange. Scientifica, last year’s winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ award based in Sussex, had the honour of opening trading at London Stock Exchange, accompanied by Nus Ghani, Conservative MP for Wealden, and Ana Christie, Chief Executive of Sussex Chambers of Commerce.

Read More

BCC Budget Submission: Action needed on rate burden that is sapping businesses

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.

Read More

Business voting intentions harden as PM seeks final deal

  • Businesspeople paying close attention to debate on UK’s membership of the EU - but say it has had little material impact on business to date
  • ‘Remain’ camp ahead two-to-one amongst business voters, but significant divisions exist on size and export lines
  • Renegotiated deal for the UK unlikely to change voting intentions of two in three business leaders.

Read More

Is a lack of skills costing you business?

The recent growth of jobs in the UK is a great success story. However, in order for this growth to be sustained and to translate into real tangible benefits for business and the economy, there needs to be a real investment in training and skills.

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Velocity Grant Sparks Major Investment for Electronics Firm

axis2

A £50,000 Velocity grant has prompted a £1million investment in pioneering new technologies, propelling a Bedford electronics firm to the forefront of its industry.

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BCC: UK showing signs of 'two-tier' growth, as services race ahead of manufacturing

  • The BCC's economic survey for Q2 2015 indicates continued UK economic growth, but highlights sharp differences between manufacturing and services.
  • In services, the results remain broadly positive and signal growth.
  • But in manufacturing, virtually all the key national balances recorded declines.
Read More

BCC downgrades 2015 growth forecast but predicts earnings are set to rise

The British Chambers of Commerce has downgraded its UK GDP growth forecast for 2015 from 2.7% to 2.3%, following weaker than expected growth at the start of the year. However, the BCC believes the slowdown is temporary and the prospects over the medium term remain steady, with GDP growth predicted to be 2.6% in 2016 and 2017.

Read More

How are millennial CEOs disrupting the business environment?

It used to be that a CEO would reach the top spot after years of having worked their way steadily up the corporate ladder. People would stay in one organisation for their entire career, and their experience and dedication to the business would earn them that coveted top spot.

Read More

4 key characteristics of an adaptable business

Do you, as a leader, fear change?

Perhaps you've noticed employees are becoming stuck in their ways. Or things have become stagnant.

Does a "this is the way we’ve always done things" attitude permeate the business?

Read More

EFM launches business growth advisory service – EFM Growth

Luton, Bedfordshire: EFM announces the launch of their new business advisory division, EFM Growth. Separate from their more financially focused counterpart, EFM Growth is a new venture with a specialist team, working alongside business owners to support their growth strategy and overcome a wide range of commercial problems. 

Read More

Uncertainty bites as survey shows UK economy stuck in a rut

Attempted recruitment in services firms at lowest for 25 years

The British Chambers of Commerce’s quarterly economic survey – the UK’s largest private sector survey of business sentiment, and a lead indicator of UK GDP growth - shows little to be cheerful about as growth flatlines and business confidence weakens.

Read More

5 ways a Chamber of Commerce contributes to business growth

The Chamber of Commerce has been in existence for over 100 years. And in that time it has used its power and resources to support, enable and elevate businesses around the globe. But today, the Chamber of Commerce conjures up very different meanings for different people.

Read More

Local businesses and trainers join forces in business skills workshops

Starting now until November, Velocity Growth Hub has brought together local business owners and trainers in a programme of new, fully-funded business skills workshops that combine local business knowledge and expert training to give you the best client experience.

Read More

BCC Economic Forecast: UK set for weakest year of GDP growth since 2009

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today slightly downgraded its growth expectations for the UK economy, forecasting GDP growth for 2018 at 1.3% (from 1.4%) 

Read More

5 steps to future-proof your business

The business landscape is notoriously disruptive, volatile and unpredictable. And for businesses to withstand this level of uncertainty, it’s not enough to simply have the best product, the best price, or even the best service.

Read More

Major New Inward Investments by Aldi and B&M to Create 1,400 New Jobs in Bedford Borough

Two major new regional distribution centres are to be built in Bedford Borough for popular nationwide retailers which will create an estimated 1,400 new jobs for the area.

Read More

Adam Marshall: Ambitious growth plan for UK more important to business than Brexit

Addressing the BCC Annual Conference 2018 today, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, will remind the government that the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the UK business community, and country, are not related to exiting the EU, but to the fundamentals in the domestic environment.

Read More

BCC launches Chamber Business Awards at London Stock Exchange

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) launched its flagship Chamber Business Awards at the London Stock Exchange. London Chamber of Commerce & Industry members AnyJunk, last year’s winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ award, has the honour of opening the day’s trading.

Read More

5 business strategy examples that can drive business growth

To keep your business growth strategy steady and alive, it goes without saying that business leaders should always be on the lookout for new opportunities.

Read More

The top 4 benefits of networking

We’ve previously written about how to approach networking to get the most out of it. And it’s worth getting it right as it can help you grow your business.

Read More

Key elements of business success

There’s huge variety in what businesses need to do to stay successful. Luckily, there’s a lot of information and business support out there to help. So what are the key elements of success that business owners and directors need to focus on?

Read More

Know Your EBITDA – top tips to get your business investment-ready

Whether you have a business idea, are starting or scaling up your business for rapid growth, equity investment can be a viable source of funding.

Read More

Velocity Growth Hub ERDF Business Growth Workshops

As part of our business support offer, we continue to run the Autumn / winter ERDF business growth workshops.

Read More

NEW VELOCITY GROWTH HUB ERDF BUSINESS GROWTH WORKSHOPS LAUNCHED

As part of our business support offer, we officially launch the Autumn / Winter ERDF business growth workshops.

Read More

BCC election manifesto: Brexit and Beyond

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today launched ‘Brexit and Beyond’, the Chamber Network manifesto for General Election 2017.

Read More

Quarterly Economic Survey: Solid economic growth likely in Q1 but inflation remains a key risk

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

Read More

BCC launches Chamber Business Awards at London Stock Exchange

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has  launched its flagship Chamber Business Awards at London Stock Exchange. Scientifica, last year’s winner of the ‘Business of the Year’ award based in Sussex, had the honour of opening trading at London Stock Exchange, accompanied by Nus Ghani, Conservative MP for Wealden, and Ana Christie, Chief Executive of Sussex Chambers of Commerce.

Read More

BCC Budget Submission: Action needed on rate burden that is sapping businesses

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.

Read More

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