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

Despite the social distancing guidelines, in a strange way we are more connected than ever. Our sense of community spirit has flourished as people have stepped up to help the vulnerable and support each other during tough times.

Human Resource Management (HRM) courses at the University of Bedfordshire have been given the seal of approval by the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).

Business owners generally seek advice because they’re struggling in an area of business or they have a specific issue that’s holding them back. Good business advice can really make a business especially if support is sought early enough to help businesses get on, and stay on, the right track.

Commenting on the Spring Statement, delivered today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

There’s huge variety in what businesses need to do to stay successful. Luckily, there’s a lot of information and business support out there to help. So what are the key elements of success that business owners and directors need to focus on?

Giving his reaction to the Autumn Budget, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget on November 22, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the government to take immediate action to halt the expected 3.9% increase in business rates valuations next year, as part of a bold Budget that seeks to boost the UK’s productivity.

As part of our business support offer, we officially launch the Autumn / Winter ERDF business growth workshops.

April this year saw the arrival of new business rates. So what does this mean?

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

Giving his initial reaction to the Chancellor’s Budget, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

As the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) publishes statistics that show two-in-five businesses are more concerned about business rates than three months ago, the business group renews its call for action in the Spring Budget this week to ease the burden of rates and bring about fundamental reform to the system.

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Spring Budget on March 8, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the government to take action on delivering real reform to the business rates system.

Giving his full reaction to the Autumn Statement, Adam Marshall, BCC Director General, said:

“Philip Hammond has delivered a responsible, solid and focused package that will reassure both business and markets.

• 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.

In a full response to the Autumn Statement and Spending Review, Cheryl Smart MBE, Chief Executive said:

Two-thirds of businesses (69%) believe that secondary schools are not effective at preparing young people for work, according to a major new UK-wide survey of over 3,500 business and education leaders published today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), just hours before the latest national employment figures are published.

Commenting on Budget 2015, delivered today by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Commenting on the Autumn Statement, delivered today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

Businesses and organisations across Bedfordshire took part in Luton’s Enterprise Day on Monday 10 November 2014.

BCC Business Manifesto calls for wide-ranging action from the next UK government to achieve a ‘more confident and more enterprising Britain’

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.

• BCC upgrades GDP growth forecasts from 2.7% to 2.8% in 2014 and from 2.4% to 2.5% in 2015
• UK GDP expected to exceed  its pre-recession peak in Q2 2014 – one quarter earlier than we forecast in December
• The first increase in UK interest rates expected in Q3 2015 to 0.75%

• BCC predicts that wage growth will exceed inflation from mid-2014
• The youth unemployment rate is expected to remain almost three times the national average over the forecast period (2014 – 2016)

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

A director who failed to keep proper business records has been convicted of breaches of the money laundering regulations (MLR) involving an estimated £170,000, in the first prosecution of its kind by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

• In September 2013, public sector net borrowing, excluding effects of financial interventions, was £1bn lower than in September 2012
• In the first six months of the current financial year, cumulative borrowing on a comparable basis was £5.9bn lower than in the corresponding period of the last financial year
• In September 2013, public sector net debt, excluding effects of financial interventions, was 75.9% of GDP

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:

Commenting ahead of the speech by the leader of the Opposition, Ed Miliband, John Longworth, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

The e-FM Network of Finance Directors & Specialists have been shortlisted in the FSB Business Awards 2013. The company which provides flexible financial management resource to SMEs up to Finance Director/ Non Executive Director levels will be celebrating this achievement with stakeholders and other successful companies at a prestigious awards dinner on the 6th of June at the Luton Hoo Luxury Hotel.