News

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

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:

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Brexit: time running out for answers to firms’ real-world questions, says BCC

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today published the two-dozen top real-world questions being asked on Brexit by businesses across the UK – and says the government 

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BCC: Firms in the dark on customs declarations

Commenting on the publication of the NAO report on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), Anastassia Beliakova, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

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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%) 

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BCC to Prime Minister: Time to 'fix the fundamentals' for UK growth

Chamber business leaders from across the United Kingdom have today written to the Prime Minister calling for a renewed focus on tackling the barriers to growth and investment in the United Kingdom - and a radical plan for action.

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BCC: Transition must deliver clarity and certainty for trade

Commenting on the speech by David Davis on a transition period after we leave the European Union, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

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BCC Quarterly Economic Survey: Skills shortage biggest risk for business

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

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BCC: Tackle broken business rates system, Chancellor

Ahead of the Budget on November 22, the British Chambers of Commerce is urging the Chancellor to provide respite for businesses in every corner of the country by freezing business rates for the next two years.

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BCC: UK’s weak trade position shows no signs of improving

Commenting on the trade statistics for September, released today by the ONS, Mike Spicer, Director of Research Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

Exporters concerned economic conditions will dampen performance

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with DHL, today publishes its latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook, which shows that while many exporters continue to put in a solid performance, wider economic factors are a cause of concern.

Read More

BCC Quarterly Economic Survey: Subdued growth in Q2 amid challenging business conditions

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published its Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and most authoritative private-sector business survey. Based on the responses of over 7,700 businesses in Q2 2017, the results for both sectors indicate that the UK economy grew at a subdued rate in the second quarter of 2017.

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BCC comments on the start of Brexit negotiations

On the day negotiations begin on the UK's departure from the European Union, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

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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.

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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. 

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Great Repeal Bill promises stability – if managed carefully

Commenting on the Great Repeal Bill White Paper, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"Business communities around the UK want day-one certainty on the rules and regulations they will face when the UK leaves the EU. For that reason, the premise of stability and continuity at the heart of the Great Repeal Bill is welcome.

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British Chambers of Commerce comments on the triggering of Article 50 and the start of Brexit negotiations

Commenting on the triggering of Article 50 by the Prime Minister, Theresa May, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

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BCC Economic Forecast: UK growth upgraded for 2017 but to remain flat in the medium-term

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today upgraded its UK GDP growth forecast for 2017 from 1.1% to 1.4%. However, it has downgraded its expectations slightly for 2018 from 1.4% to 1.3%, and published its first forecast for 2019 of 1.5% growth.

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Businesses need certainty on post-Brexit trading practicalities

Commenting on the International Trade Committee’s report on UK Trade Options Beyond 2019, released today, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

Chambers of Commerce: Put practicality at the heart of Brexit negotiations

As the Chamber Network gathers in Westminster for the BCC Annual Conference, the British Chambers of Commerce has today  published a business blueprint for the UK government ahead of the upcoming Brexit negotiations.

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BCC International Trade Survey: Fall in Sterling expected to increase cost base and push up prices

The recent fall in the value of Sterling is squeezing domestic sales margins, and increasing the cost base of UK businesses, according to the results of the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) latest International Trade Survey. The findings, released today, also indicate that the weak pound is expected to push up the prices of products and services.

Read More

BCC International Trade Survey: Europe to remain key export market despite Brexit vote

UK companies remain committed to strong trading relationships with European customers and suppliers despite the UK’s vote to leave the EU, according to the results of the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) International Trade Survey, released today.

Read More

BCC Quarterly Economic Survey: businesses start New Year in solid health

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 Economic Forecast: 2016 momentum not set to continue

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Monday) upgraded its UK GDP growth forecast from 1.8% to 2.1% for 2016, and from 1.0% to 1.1% in 2017. However, it has also downgraded expectations for 2018 from 1.8% to 1.4%.

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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

Make 2016 a year of action, not more wasted opportunities

After a year that included a number of wasted opportunities, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, calls on ministers to make 2016 a year of action, with the ultimate aim of putting the UK economy on a strong and more sustainable footing.

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BCC to ministers: a positive start, but much more to do

The UK government has taken a number of positive steps to support British business in the first parliamentary session since the election - but there are some areas of serious concern that remain unaddressed, says the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), one of the UK's largest and most influential business groups.

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ChamberFX - Moneycorp Currency Review

Currency expert, Moneycorp, offers an insight into the fast moving world of foreign exchange.

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Queen’s Speech is a step in the right direction for business

Giving his reaction to the Queen’s Speech delivered today, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

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BCC: Businesses want to be in the EU, but a reformed EU

  • Businesses stand firm on staying within the EU, but reforms are essential.
  • John Longworth, BCC Director General says “whoever forms the next government must put EU reform at the top of the agenda”. It is vital that the next government sets their intentions to protect the United Kingdom against the prospect of being “in a club, where all the decisions are made by, and for, the Eurozone.”
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Business uncertainty over EU on the rise as voters head to Euro-polls

As voters across Britain and Europe prepare to go to the polls this week, the British Chambers of Commerce’s latest EU Business Barometer shows a substantial increase in uncertainty among UK businesses over the future of the UK’s relationship with the European Union.

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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

Brexit: time running out for answers to firms’ real-world questions, says BCC

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today published the two-dozen top real-world questions being asked on Brexit by businesses across the UK – and says the government 

Read More

BCC: Firms in the dark on customs declarations

Commenting on the publication of the NAO report on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), Anastassia Beliakova, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

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

BCC to Prime Minister: Time to 'fix the fundamentals' for UK growth

Chamber business leaders from across the United Kingdom have today written to the Prime Minister calling for a renewed focus on tackling the barriers to growth and investment in the United Kingdom - and a radical plan for action.

Read More

BCC: Transition must deliver clarity and certainty for trade

Commenting on the speech by David Davis on a transition period after we leave the European Union, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

BCC Quarterly Economic Survey: Skills shortage biggest risk for business

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: Tackle broken business rates system, Chancellor

Ahead of the Budget on November 22, the British Chambers of Commerce is urging the Chancellor to provide respite for businesses in every corner of the country by freezing business rates for the next two years.

Read More

BCC: UK’s weak trade position shows no signs of improving

Commenting on the trade statistics for September, released today by the ONS, Mike Spicer, Director of Research Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

Exporters concerned economic conditions will dampen performance

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with DHL, today publishes its latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook, which shows that while many exporters continue to put in a solid performance, wider economic factors are a cause of concern.

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

Great Repeal Bill promises stability – if managed carefully

Commenting on the Great Repeal Bill White Paper, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"Business communities around the UK want day-one certainty on the rules and regulations they will face when the UK leaves the EU. For that reason, the premise of stability and continuity at the heart of the Great Repeal Bill is welcome.

Read More

British Chambers of Commerce comments on the triggering of Article 50 and the start of Brexit negotiations

Commenting on the triggering of Article 50 by the Prime Minister, Theresa May, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

BCC Economic Forecast: UK growth upgraded for 2017 but to remain flat in the medium-term

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today upgraded its UK GDP growth forecast for 2017 from 1.1% to 1.4%. However, it has downgraded its expectations slightly for 2018 from 1.4% to 1.3%, and published its first forecast for 2019 of 1.5% growth.

Read More

Businesses need certainty on post-Brexit trading practicalities

Commenting on the International Trade Committee’s report on UK Trade Options Beyond 2019, released today, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Read More

Chambers of Commerce: Put practicality at the heart of Brexit negotiations

As the Chamber Network gathers in Westminster for the BCC Annual Conference, the British Chambers of Commerce has today  published a business blueprint for the UK government ahead of the upcoming Brexit negotiations.

Read More

BCC International Trade Survey: Fall in Sterling expected to increase cost base and push up prices

The recent fall in the value of Sterling is squeezing domestic sales margins, and increasing the cost base of UK businesses, according to the results of the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) latest International Trade Survey. The findings, released today, also indicate that the weak pound is expected to push up the prices of products and services.

Read More

BCC International Trade Survey: Europe to remain key export market despite Brexit vote

UK companies remain committed to strong trading relationships with European customers and suppliers despite the UK’s vote to leave the EU, according to the results of the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) International Trade Survey, released today.

Read More

BCC Quarterly Economic Survey: businesses start New Year in solid health

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 Economic Forecast: 2016 momentum not set to continue

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Monday) upgraded its UK GDP growth forecast from 1.8% to 2.1% for 2016, and from 1.0% to 1.1% in 2017. However, it has also downgraded expectations for 2018 from 1.8% to 1.4%.

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

Make 2016 a year of action, not more wasted opportunities

After a year that included a number of wasted opportunities, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, calls on ministers to make 2016 a year of action, with the ultimate aim of putting the UK economy on a strong and more sustainable footing.

Read More

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