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

• GDP in Q4 2012: -0.3% on the quarter; flat on the year
• Manufacturing output: -1.5% on the quarter; -2% on the year
• Services output: flat on the quarter; +1.4% on the year

If you still haven’t sent in your 2011-12 Self Assessment tax return, you’ve got just a few days left to do so and avoid a penalty.

Business lending fell by £2.8bn in November 2012. Net lending to small business contracted by £6.4bn over the past year. Commenting on the Trends in Lending report, published today by the Bank of England, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

Commenting on the Sickness Absence Review, published today by the Department for Work and Pensions, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Commenting on today’s announcements on the Employment Law Review, published today by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

New EPC changes came into effect this week which means that an EPC must have been commissioned prior to marketing and obtained within 7 days of the property first being marketed. It is also essential to make the EPC available to prospective buyers and tenants when requested and advertise the EPC’s rating on all advertisements, both print and online. It is no longer necessary, however, to attach the front page of the EPC to written material.

Ahead of the Prime Minister's long-awaited policy speech on Europe later this month the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has today called for a pragmatic re-negotiation of Britain's relationship with the rest of the EU, reflecting the interests of businesses across the economy.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is offering export trainees the chance to receive accreditation for their learning from the British Chambers of Commerce.

Weather forecasters are predicting snow in the next few weeks with temperatures dropping in some parts of the country to as low as -15 degrees.  If previous experience is anything to go by, the adverse weather conditions are likely to cause massive problems for  businesses and their ability to function, especially those in rural areas and trading estates.

Around 300 people from various voluntary agencies together with staff and the general public attended a stunning fundraising ball for The Mary Seacole Housing Association Limited.

This week has been a busy one at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce with the business support organisation hosting three events at their Kimpton Road offices.

The Chamber was used for training by Peter East Associates and for IT and Export courses.

The Basepoint Innovation and Business Centre in Luton has donated £1,744 to its chosen charity, ReachOut Plus, and also £346 to St. Vincent de Paul, an international Christian voluntary organisation that tackles poverty.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is asking businesses across Bedfordshire to make their voices heard and take part in the Quarterly Economic Survey. The Chamber conducts a quarterly survey to allow businesses in Bedfordshire to express their views on a number of issues affecting their day-to-day business, particularly in the current economic climate.

The Premier Newspaper Group commends Zest Solutions on making the finals of the Annual Bedfordshire & Luton Rising Stars Business Excellence Awards 2012.

The Bedfordshire based company were finalists in the New Business of the Year category; Zest Solutions received their commendation for all the hard work and dedication they put in to each day to grow and develop their business solutions and IT company.

Wyboston Lakes, the leading conference, training and leisure venue, has won the accolade for customer service in the annual Bedfordshire & Luton ‘Rising Stars’ Business Excellence awards. The achievement underlines the company’s comprehensive commitment to the training of all employees to provide exemplary standards of service not only to external customers, but also to working colleagues.

The National Health Service spends billions of pounds each year on products and services. The University’s Knowledge Network takes a look at the NHS’s procurement process, on 29 November, to find out how local small businesses can compete to become NHS suppliers.

The Barnfield Federation is planning to put together an employer focus group for their Academy and Free schools. They are inviting expressions of interest from larger employers, particularly in the following sectors. Barnfield Federation see this as an opportunity to use their experience and put something back into the community through the education of young people.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the findings of a review into stimulating UK growth by Lord Heseltine.  Lord Heseltine conducted a wide ranging review of activities and recommended increased use of the capacity, skills and experience of Chambers of Commerce.

The National Health Service spends billions of pounds each year on products and services. The University’s Knowledge Network takes a look at the NHS’s procurement process, on 29 November, to find out how local small businesses can compete to become NHS suppliers.

JobCentre Plus in Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire are looking for five Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce members to take part in a 90 minute breakfast event in St Albans on auto-enrolment of pensions.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is reminding anyone sending their 2011/12 tax return on paper that they need to do so by the 31 October deadline, if they want to avoid a penalty.

Paper tax returns received on or after 1 November will result in a £100 penalty – even if there is no tax to pay or the tax due is paid on time.

 A survey released today by the British Chambers of Commerce reveals falling levels of trust in financial institutions among businesses. The results, comprising responses from 1,560 businesses, show that although banks and building societies are the main source of finance for firms, half of businesses lack trust in these financial institutions. 

London Luton Airport Operations Limited have launched a consultation on their vision for the future of the airport, and are seeking the feedback of all those who have an interest in its development and improvement. The airport is one of the region’s most important assets. It is currently the 5^th largest airport in the UK, was the fastest growing in 2011, and flies an increasing number of UK business passengers abroad on business.

Robinson & Hall’s Building Surveying Department are pleased to have been involved in the redevelopment of 20-22 Silver Street which has completely transformed the original shop by separating the unit into two and extending 22 Silver Street to double the retail floor space.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is preparing to welcome its members to its annual Members’ Showcase and AGM. The event is a great opportunity for members new, old and prospective to meet, network and find out more about Chamber services. As in previous years, some members have taken advantage of the opportunity to exhibit with a range of businesses taking stands.

Leaders from diverse walks of life will be sharing their personal and professional tales en-route to success, in a series of lectures as part of an initiative to get practice-led learning into the University of Bedfordshire.

Commenting on Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin's decision to cancel and re-run the competition to run the West Coast Main Line,Cheryl Smart MBE, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said:

A specialist in minibus conversions is proving that ‘Business is Good for Britain’ after bouncing back from Government cuts to post impressive growth.