News

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

WENTA scoop national award

Wenta, the local enterprise agency for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, were last week awarded the National Award for ‘Future of Enterprise Support’ at the National Enterprise Network’s (NEN) annual awards ceremony. 

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The biggest single funding mechanism from Government for SMEs

What is the HMRC R&D tax credit/rebate scheme? An EU initiative allowing companies to recover development costs invested in innovative product and manufacturing processes. almost £1.1bn has already been given back to UK companies during 2010-2011, over £7.0bn since 2000. 

Read More

Amelia Newman joins Robinson & Hall as Assistant Rural Surveyor

After four years of studying for a Rural Resource Management degree and MsC in Rural Land and Business Management at Reading University, Amelia joins Robinson & Hall as Assistant Rural Surveyor.

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Uni business expert shares insights at international conference

Innovative use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship are a “matter of survival” for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to succeed online.

Read More

BCC: Britain still needs a big bang strategy for infrastructure

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

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One week to go for HMRC late tax returns campaign

Taxpayers who failed to submit tax returns have only one week left to take up a special opportunity being offered by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

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Liberalising planning restrictions is a step in the right direction, says British Chambers of Commerce

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.

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Heritage Lottery Fund looking for committee member for East of England

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is currently recruiting for at least one Committee Member to join the Committee for the East of England.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for individuals with a strong commitment to and enthusiasm for the UK’s diverse heritage and in particular that of the East of England.

Read More

BCC sets out proposals for a British Business Bank

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.

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New Vice Chancellor starts at University of Bedfordshire

Bill Rammell takes over as Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire on 1 September.

The former Minister for Higher Education said making university accessible was at the core of his vision alongside improving student experience and expanding internationalisation.

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Health and Safety Executive consulting on changes to reduce burden on business

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is currently consulting on two proposed changes:

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Lord Young leading review into barriers holding back SME growth

Lord Young is leading a review into barriers holding back SME growth. The key areas the review will focus on are HR, finance, new markets, business planning, and subsequent issues around these that affect businesses as they grow.

The BCC will be responding to the call for evidence and we are keen to hear views from members on two issues in particular:

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UOB student crowned region's 'Student Employee of the Year'

University of Bedfordshire student Natalie Sibley has been crowned Student Employee of the Year.  Natalie, aged 22, from Melksham, Wilts, is studying for an MSc in Tourism and Events Manager at the University and is also a part-time Recruitment Services Advisor.

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Chamber member Zest Solutions wins contracts with care homes

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce member Zest Solutions are celebrating success and business growth after winning contracts with two of the country’s largest care home operators, Orchard Care Homes and Twinglobe Care Homes Ltd.

Read More

BCC comments on Funding for Lending scheme

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.

Read More

Chamber partner for London Luton Airport Meet the Buyer 2012

Bedfordshire Chamber is to be a partner for the London Luton Airport Meet the Buyer event at Putteridge Bury on the 18th October.   The event provides a platform for local businessess to present information about their products and services to airport-based companies and potentially open up supply chain opportunities for airport businesses.

Read More

Second Luton student supported by Chamber bursary

Another student from Luton is set for an exciting career in engineering thanks to the generosity of a local company.  Susan Goodman has won the second engineering bursary to be awarded by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by engineering company Veruth Holdings.  The £15,000 bursary will support Susan through her studies, a huge advantage in these times of rising university fees.

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Further delays on aviation beggar belief, says Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce

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:

Read More

Infrastructure guarantees positive but must deliver action on the ground

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:

Read More

WENTA scoop national award

Wenta, the local enterprise agency for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, were last week awarded the National Award for ‘Future of Enterprise Support’ at the National Enterprise Network’s (NEN) annual awards ceremony. 

Read More

The biggest single funding mechanism from Government for SMEs

What is the HMRC R&D tax credit/rebate scheme? An EU initiative allowing companies to recover development costs invested in innovative product and manufacturing processes. almost £1.1bn has already been given back to UK companies during 2010-2011, over £7.0bn since 2000. 

Read More

Amelia Newman joins Robinson & Hall as Assistant Rural Surveyor

After four years of studying for a Rural Resource Management degree and MsC in Rural Land and Business Management at Reading University, Amelia joins Robinson & Hall as Assistant Rural Surveyor.

Read More

Uni business expert shares insights at international conference

Innovative use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship are a “matter of survival” for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to succeed online.

Read More

BCC: Britain still needs a big bang strategy for infrastructure

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

Read More

One week to go for HMRC late tax returns campaign

Taxpayers who failed to submit tax returns have only one week left to take up a special opportunity being offered by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Read More

Liberalising planning restrictions is a step in the right direction, says British Chambers of Commerce

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.

Read More

Heritage Lottery Fund looking for committee member for East of England

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is currently recruiting for at least one Committee Member to join the Committee for the East of England.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for individuals with a strong commitment to and enthusiasm for the UK’s diverse heritage and in particular that of the East of England.

Read More

BCC sets out proposals for a British Business Bank

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.

Read More

New Vice Chancellor starts at University of Bedfordshire

Bill Rammell takes over as Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire on 1 September.

The former Minister for Higher Education said making university accessible was at the core of his vision alongside improving student experience and expanding internationalisation.

Read More

Chamber member Zest Solutions wins contracts with care homes

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce member Zest Solutions are celebrating success and business growth after winning contracts with two of the country’s largest care home operators, Orchard Care Homes and Twinglobe Care Homes Ltd.

Read More

BCC comments on Funding for Lending scheme

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.

Read More

Chamber partner for London Luton Airport Meet the Buyer 2012

Bedfordshire Chamber is to be a partner for the London Luton Airport Meet the Buyer event at Putteridge Bury on the 18th October.   The event provides a platform for local businessess to present information about their products and services to airport-based companies and potentially open up supply chain opportunities for airport businesses.

Read More

Second Luton student supported by Chamber bursary

Another student from Luton is set for an exciting career in engineering thanks to the generosity of a local company.  Susan Goodman has won the second engineering bursary to be awarded by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by engineering company Veruth Holdings.  The £15,000 bursary will support Susan through her studies, a huge advantage in these times of rising university fees.

Read More

Further delays on aviation beggar belief, says Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce

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:

Read More

Infrastructure guarantees positive but must deliver action on the ground

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:

Read More

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