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

Step-by-step guidance, expert advice, and fully funded resources to make international trade a reality.

For many local firms, the idea of trading overseas is both exciting and daunting. The rewards are clear - new customers, diversified markets, and opportunities to grow in ways that staying purely domestic can’t always provide. But let’s be honest, the challenges can feel just as big. Customs paperwork, compliance rules, shifting trade agreements, and finding reliable partners abroad can be a lot to take on.

Enabling local businesses to spread their wings and sell beyond the nation’s borders has long been an objective of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, which has been supporting businesses in the region for almost 150 years.

And this vision not only has its own specialist champions within the Chamber – the global trade and Chamber Customs team – but it is now entering an exciting new chapter, thanks to both Government funding and partner initiatives.

Here’s more on the team and the work they’re doing.

The work of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce at the top table of Government, as an accredited member of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), is unrelenting – and a privilege to be a part of.

Companies that import and export are having a tough time recently with the disruption of Brexit, spiralling prices, and the war in Ukraine, so some positive news would be welcome. And on the surface, the recent reversal of planned import controls delivers this.

It’s that time of year again when we look back to the triumphs and tribulations of the past and raise a toast to the opportunities of the future. And from where we’re sitting, there’s much to report!

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

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:

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.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today launched ‘Brexit and Beyond’, the Chamber Network manifesto for General Election 2017.

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:

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.

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.

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.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today downgraded its UK GDP growth forecast, from 2.6% to 2.4% in 2015, from 2.7% to 2.5% in 2016, and from 2.7% to 2.5% in 2017.

Access to finance is still a barrier to exporting for UK firms, a report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has found. In its annual International Trade Survey, the BCC found that 60% of potential exporters cite general access to finance as a key factor in their plans to export goods or services.

• BCC publishes the results of its international trade survey highlighting the untapped potential of service sector exporters in rebalancing the UK economy
• The BCC calls for action to tackle language, regulatory and funding barriers to encourage potential exporters to take their first step towards doing business overseas
• John Longworth: ‘If we can convert this untapped export potential into a reality, this could go a long way towards eliminating the overall trade deficit and rebalancing the economy.’

To mark the start of Export Week, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has announced the launch of a new website designed to support businesses at every stage of their export journey. 

• BCC’s Director General, John Longworth, gives keynote speech at business group’s International Trade Conference
• Vince Cable; Chuka Umunna; Carolyn McCall, CEO, easyJet; David Milner, CEO Tyrrells Crisps; and Lord Bilamoria, Chairman, Cobra Beer confirmed as guest speakers

Commenting on the Chancellor's announcement to simply and streamline visa applications, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

• Manufacturing output in August 2013 was -1.2% on the month, -0.2% on the year
• In the three months to August 2013, manufacturing output rose by 1.2% compared with the previous three months
• The UK deficit on trade in goods and services was £3.3bn in August, compared with a deficit of £3.4bn in July
• There was a deficit of £9.6bn on goods, partly offset by an surplus of £6.3bn on services

Commenting on the speech made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Conservative Party Conference today (Monday), John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

As the Conservative Party Conference gets underway in Manchester, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is today (Monday) issuing a clear message to the Prime Minister and his colleagues to ‘get moving’ on the delivery of pro-growth policies that will benefit the nation as a whole.

The BCC's International Trade Conference, on the 17th October 2013 at Central Westminster Hall, London, will bring together 500 high growth exporters, SMEs, business leaders and leading policy makers.  This unique event will provide an opportunity to hear from experienced exporters as they share their expertise on how to build a successful global brand, enter new market and access finance along with other topical themes surrounding the export agenda.

BIS are giving businesses the opportunity to raise particular issues that they would like to see addressed in upcoming trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States. To help guide your feedback they  have provided a short questionnaire.