News

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

The Future of the Economy: Have Your Say

The future of the economy may sound like an awfully big topic – and one you can’t influence. But in fact these conversations – and some great networking opportunities that go with them - are within your reach!

Read More

The Spring Budget 2024: Business Will Benefit, But More is Needed

The Chancellor’s Spring Budget, delivered yesterday (7th March at the time of writing) is, it’s fair to say, hardly a business game-changer.

That said, there’s perhaps more business benefit in it than initially meets the eye - and not least because it contains changes that we, through our connection to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), lobbied for.

Here’s a brief overview of what we believe are the Budget’s most important business takeaways.

Read More

Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce Unveil International Trade Support Programme

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Central Bedfordshire Council, is proud to announce the launch of a targeted support programme aimed at assisting businesses engaged in, or aspiring to engage in, international trade.

Read More

The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement – What Does it Mean for Your Business?

On 22nd November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made his Autumn Statement to Parliament – and despite the challenges of the past three years there were positives in it for businesses in our county.

Here’s our overview of what you need to know, the changes and the continuities you should expect, how you will benefit from them, and other developments you need to be aware of.

Read More

Lobbying and Policy: We’re Fighting Your Corner in Westminster!

Lobbying and policy are possibly not the most exciting or glamorous elements of doing business, but in the background, they’re constantly working to influence decisions, sway opinion, and articulate your business’s hopes, fears, and interests, at local, regional, and national level.

Read More

Look After Your Employees' Wellbeing and Increase Staff Retention

Staff retention is a hot topic for today’s businesses – and the figures prove the point. On average, employee turnover rates in the UK have increased by 7.7% since 2019, and are estimated to increase even more in 2023, with a total predicted turnover rate of 35.6%.

Read More

Does Your Business Belong? It’s Time It Did…

Small businesses are stronger when they’re part of something bigger, but also when they’re part of something local. And with membership of the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, you get the best of both worlds, as you’re also connected to the nationwide force for business that is the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Read More

The New Financial Year: Find the Opportunities, Feed Your Forecast

As the new financial year kicks in on 6th April, your business will naturally find itself focused on the challenges and opportunities the new year will bring – projecting leads, assessing pipeline, forecasting income, and planning budgets.

Read More

What the 2023 Budget Could Mean for Your Business – and How We Can Help

“Cutting and simplifying” – this is how the Government headlined its 2023 Spring Budget.

So, we did some cutting and simplifying of our own, boiling the budget down into its business essentials to highlight the changes and opportunities you need to be aware of - and how we at the Chamber help our members take action to get on top of them.

Read More

Director General’s Visit and LSIP Event: How We’ve Been Championing Local Businesses

It’s been a busy few weeks here at the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

We welcomed a visit from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Director General, Shevaun Haviland, published the results on an opinion poll on the planned expansion of Luton Airport, met with Vauxhall to discuss electric vehicle strategy and funding, and hosted a Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) event to help businesses combat the skills shortage.

Read More

Feeling the Love: Here at the Chamber, It’s Not Just for Valentine’s Day!

With the usual yearly flurry of cards, chocolates and flowers, Valentine’s Day has come and gone again.

But whilst we hope you and your beloved enjoyed the occasion, here at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce we believe in spreading the love all year round - in a strictly professional sense, of course.

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A steady hand through years of change: why the Chamber and the Queen have much in common

On 6th February 1952, Queen Elizabeth II succeeded to the throne when the UK was exhausted from war and rationing. But on her watch, the economy soon began to boom. New shopping centres and housing were built, followed by the first motorway.

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Which Beds Chamber membership package is right for your business?

Whether you’re a sole trader or a small, medium or large business, joining a local network or organisation designed to support businesses like yours is a big decision. No one wants to spend money on a membership that won’t help their business.

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What to do when business hits a rough patch

The world's biggest and most successful businesses didn't make it to where they are now without a few rough patches. If anything is guaranteed in the business world, it's that challenging times lie ahead.

Read More

Chamber takes on its youngest member

Need a gift? Chocolate makes you fat, flowers die quickly, wine is expensive. You need SPIKE!

Spike Cacti is the brainchild of Jonny Williams - The Chamber’s youngest member at just 10 years old.

Read More

BCC comments on Brexit notices: A start, but businesses need more detail

Commenting on the publication of the first tranche of UK Government technical notices aimed at giving businesses and consumers advice on the implications of a 'no deal' exit from the European Union, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

Accountant celebrates 50 years with local firm

Accountant, Keith Middleton, reached a significant milestone in his career on 19 August as he celebrated 50 years’ service with George Hay Chartered Accountants.

Keith joined George Hay in August 1968 and was a partner in the firm from 1997-2017. 

Read More

Changes to mandatory HMO licensing

Row of typical English terraced houses in West Hampstead, London.

An extension of the mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing will come in to effect from 1st October 2018, 

Read More

Looking for Business Space in Bedford?

The new Bedford i-Hub on Cauldwell Street is set to open in October creating a new business incubator centre in the middle of our county town.

Following investment by Bedford Borough Council, the i-Hub is bringing a 3000 sq.ft Georgian building 

Read More

BCC: UK remains on lacklustre growth trajectory despite Q2 improvement

Commenting on the first estimate of GDP for Q2 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said

Read More

BCC comments ahead of release of ‘no deal’ Brexit notices

Commenting ahead of the publication of technical notices from the government relating to the possibility of ‘no deal’ in the Brexit negotiations, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

The connection between Cobbler's Nibble, teacher vacancies and diamonds

Hear from Emma, Julie and Meena, Gary, Wayne and Chris talking about how they've secured investment in their businesses through the expertise of local projects part-funded through European funding.

Read More

Automatic enrolment is an ongoing process – it does not end with your declaration of compliance

Employers across the UK suspected of providing false or misleading information to The Pensions Regulator about how they are meeting their automatic enrolment duties, will now be targeted with short notice inspections.

Read More

Royal Recognition as Peli BioThermal is Officially Presented with Queen’s Award for International Export Expertise

Leaders from Peli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging, were joined by business officials and distinguished dignitaries at an esteemed presentation ceremony

Read More

BCC: Cut tax complexity and ‘red tape’ holding back businesses

The vast majority of UK businesses believe the cost of complying with the UK tax system has escalated over recent years, according to new research released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with Avalara.

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

Former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire honoured at graduation

The former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire encouraged graduates from the University of Bedfordshire to grasp every opportunity available.

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BCC comments on inflation figures

Commenting on the inflation statistics for June 2018, published today by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

Cranfield to support Defence Enterprise Export Programme (DEEP)

Cranfield University has been chosen by the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP) to be the education provider for the Defence Enterprise Export Programme (DEEP) launched yesterday at the Farnborough International Airshow.

Read More

Peli BioThermal Palace Visit For Second Successive Queen’s Award For International Export Expertise

Directors from Peli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging, attended a prestigious regal reception hosted by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and members of the Royal Family.

Read More

The Future of the Economy: Have Your Say

The future of the economy may sound like an awfully big topic – and one you can’t influence. But in fact these conversations – and some great networking opportunities that go with them - are within your reach!

Read More

The Spring Budget 2024: Business Will Benefit, But More is Needed

The Chancellor’s Spring Budget, delivered yesterday (7th March at the time of writing) is, it’s fair to say, hardly a business game-changer.

That said, there’s perhaps more business benefit in it than initially meets the eye - and not least because it contains changes that we, through our connection to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), lobbied for.

Here’s a brief overview of what we believe are the Budget’s most important business takeaways.

Read More

Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce Unveil International Trade Support Programme

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Central Bedfordshire Council, is proud to announce the launch of a targeted support programme aimed at assisting businesses engaged in, or aspiring to engage in, international trade.

Read More

The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement – What Does it Mean for Your Business?

On 22nd November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt made his Autumn Statement to Parliament – and despite the challenges of the past three years there were positives in it for businesses in our county.

Here’s our overview of what you need to know, the changes and the continuities you should expect, how you will benefit from them, and other developments you need to be aware of.

Read More

Lobbying and Policy: We’re Fighting Your Corner in Westminster!

Lobbying and policy are possibly not the most exciting or glamorous elements of doing business, but in the background, they’re constantly working to influence decisions, sway opinion, and articulate your business’s hopes, fears, and interests, at local, regional, and national level.

Read More

Look After Your Employees' Wellbeing and Increase Staff Retention

Staff retention is a hot topic for today’s businesses – and the figures prove the point. On average, employee turnover rates in the UK have increased by 7.7% since 2019, and are estimated to increase even more in 2023, with a total predicted turnover rate of 35.6%.

Read More

Does Your Business Belong? It’s Time It Did…

Small businesses are stronger when they’re part of something bigger, but also when they’re part of something local. And with membership of the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, you get the best of both worlds, as you’re also connected to the nationwide force for business that is the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Read More

The New Financial Year: Find the Opportunities, Feed Your Forecast

As the new financial year kicks in on 6th April, your business will naturally find itself focused on the challenges and opportunities the new year will bring – projecting leads, assessing pipeline, forecasting income, and planning budgets.

Read More

What the 2023 Budget Could Mean for Your Business – and How We Can Help

“Cutting and simplifying” – this is how the Government headlined its 2023 Spring Budget.

So, we did some cutting and simplifying of our own, boiling the budget down into its business essentials to highlight the changes and opportunities you need to be aware of - and how we at the Chamber help our members take action to get on top of them.

Read More

Director General’s Visit and LSIP Event: How We’ve Been Championing Local Businesses

It’s been a busy few weeks here at the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce.

We welcomed a visit from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Director General, Shevaun Haviland, published the results on an opinion poll on the planned expansion of Luton Airport, met with Vauxhall to discuss electric vehicle strategy and funding, and hosted a Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) event to help businesses combat the skills shortage.

Read More

What to do when business hits a rough patch

The world's biggest and most successful businesses didn't make it to where they are now without a few rough patches. If anything is guaranteed in the business world, it's that challenging times lie ahead.

Read More

Chamber takes on its youngest member

Need a gift? Chocolate makes you fat, flowers die quickly, wine is expensive. You need SPIKE!

Spike Cacti is the brainchild of Jonny Williams - The Chamber’s youngest member at just 10 years old.

Read More

BCC comments on Brexit notices: A start, but businesses need more detail

Commenting on the publication of the first tranche of UK Government technical notices aimed at giving businesses and consumers advice on the implications of a 'no deal' exit from the European Union, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

Accountant celebrates 50 years with local firm

Accountant, Keith Middleton, reached a significant milestone in his career on 19 August as he celebrated 50 years’ service with George Hay Chartered Accountants.

Keith joined George Hay in August 1968 and was a partner in the firm from 1997-2017. 

Read More

Changes to mandatory HMO licensing

Row of typical English terraced houses in West Hampstead, London.

An extension of the mandatory Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licensing will come in to effect from 1st October 2018, 

Read More

Looking for Business Space in Bedford?

The new Bedford i-Hub on Cauldwell Street is set to open in October creating a new business incubator centre in the middle of our county town.

Following investment by Bedford Borough Council, the i-Hub is bringing a 3000 sq.ft Georgian building 

Read More

BCC: UK remains on lacklustre growth trajectory despite Q2 improvement

Commenting on the first estimate of GDP for Q2 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said

Read More

BCC comments ahead of release of ‘no deal’ Brexit notices

Commenting ahead of the publication of technical notices from the government relating to the possibility of ‘no deal’ in the Brexit negotiations, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

The connection between Cobbler's Nibble, teacher vacancies and diamonds

Hear from Emma, Julie and Meena, Gary, Wayne and Chris talking about how they've secured investment in their businesses through the expertise of local projects part-funded through European funding.

Read More

Automatic enrolment is an ongoing process – it does not end with your declaration of compliance

Employers across the UK suspected of providing false or misleading information to The Pensions Regulator about how they are meeting their automatic enrolment duties, will now be targeted with short notice inspections.

Read More

Royal Recognition as Peli BioThermal is Officially Presented with Queen’s Award for International Export Expertise

Leaders from Peli BioThermal, the global name in temperature controlled packaging, were joined by business officials and distinguished dignitaries at an esteemed presentation ceremony

Read More

BCC: Cut tax complexity and ‘red tape’ holding back businesses

The vast majority of UK businesses believe the cost of complying with the UK tax system has escalated over recent years, according to new research released today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with Avalara.

Read More

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