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

EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE ACROSS THE BOARD FOR BEDFORDSHIRE BUSINESSES

A new report published  has revealed that Bedfordshire’s top 100 businesses are in much better shape than this time last year, showing excellent growth in profitability with earnings up 13%.

This year, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is proud to be hosting its 11th annual Chamber Awards ceremony. Businesses across the country are invited to take part and showcase their talents and achievements through a series of regional heats, culminating in the national final, which takes place in London on November 27th 2014.

Businesses can encourage staff to travel more sustainably to work thanks to business grants available from Central Bedfordshire’s Travel Choices.

From local standout to national champion: Chamber Awards to put best of British business on the map

BCC Economic Forecast: GDP to surpass pre-recession peak in second half of 2014

As part of Central Bedfordshire Council’s ‘Travel Choices’ programme, businesses in Dunstable, Houghton Regis and Leighton Buzzard can benefit from a £3,000 grant to improve staff facilities at your premises.

SEMLEP is looking for a new private sector director to join its Board. Applicants will ideally have current experience of running a growing and successful business or social enterprise, be able to commit sufficient time and give leadership to help deliver SEMLEP's objectives.

Commenting on the Chancellor's announcement to simply and streamline visa applications, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

• 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

Do you have an innovative business idea that supports the environment?  The Incuba Business Support and Learning Centre, being opened in Dunstable by Central Bedfordshire Council, is running a  Green Business and Innovation Competition.

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:

Tom Edwards, Commissioning Editor, Factual Features and Formats, has commissioned Twofour to produce a third series of hit BBC TWO series Alex Polizzi - The Fixer.

• 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

As the Conservative Party Conference gets underway in Manchester, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is today (Monday) issuing a clear message to the Prime Minister and his colleagues to ‘get moving’ on the delivery of pro-growth policies that will benefit the nation as a whole.

As the UK’s international hub airport, Heathrow connects businesses across the country to crucial growth markets.   For 16 years, Heathrow Business Summit (formerly Heathrow Meet the Buyer) Heathrow has been enabling business to be done through annual business summits. To date, it has helped businesses win around £90 million in new business. 

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:

Businesses based in the Luton area are set to benefit from a free* University of Bedfordshire five-day course leading to an internationally recognised project management qualification.

Commenting on Business Secretary Vince Cable’s speech at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

The University of Bedfordshire's award winning Careers and Recruitment Services provides a professional agency style solution for business recruitment needs that enables you to recruit quality staff, free of charge!

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;

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

• BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2013 shows further progress, with most key balances stronger than in Q1 2013.
• Service export deliveries balance rose to +36%,  the highest level since the survey began in 1989
• UK business remains resilient, and confidence is rising, despite most balances remaining below their pre-recession levels in 2007

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 labour market statistics, published today by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

The University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Hub has teamed up with Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council to launch an innovative leadership and management training programme aimed at business professionals looking to develop their skills set.

Commenting on the government’s decisions today on National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2013, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

What does singer Adele have in common with Flitwick based fuel card business i-fuelcards Ltd? The answer is they’ve both trademarked their names. Nigel Webb, Business Development Manager at i-fuelcards Ltd, knew that in a competitive market it was essential to protect a brand that was establishing a great reputation.