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

Commenting on the MPC decision, announced today by the Bank of England, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Apprenticeship grants are available via the National Apprenticeship Service to support businesses to recruit new 16-24 year olds as apprentices.    Employers have until December 2014 to claim up to ten grants of £1.5 k each (subject to eligibility and availability, grant applications are considered on a first come first served basis).

If you are looking to purchase low carbon equipment to improve energy efficiency in your business or are looking for advice on how to reduce your business's carbon footprint, WENTA have a grants available up to £7, 500

Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) interest rate decision, the first under the new Governor Mark Carney, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

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 Spending Round for 2015/16, set out by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the House of Commons today (Wednesday), John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Businesses in Bedfordshire can now apply for a share of the new £2.5 million Grants4Growth programme – which is being distributed via Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) to companies based in the East of England.

A student from Luton is making a great start in the world of engineering, thanks to the generosity of a local company.  

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 Chancellor’s Budget speech, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

A fully-funded programme, supported by the European Social Fund in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council, is being offered by the University of Bedfordshire. Skills for Growth offers organisations operating in Bedfordshire the opportunity to develop their employees' leadership and management skills.

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.

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.

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.