News

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

New Trade Manifesto Champions Export and Global Trade as the Key to Growth

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.

Read More

Global Trade: Reversal of Planned Changes, and What You Still Need to Do

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.

Read More

Thousands advised, £100,000s secured, and an events boost on the way: 2021 in review, 2022 on the horizon

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!

Read More

Royal Recognition as Peli BioThermal is Officially Presented with Queen’s Award for International Export Expertise

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

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

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.

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

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.

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Weak trade and manufacturing figures nudge down UK growth forecast

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.

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Accessing Finance is a Barrier to Would-Be Exporters

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.

Read More

One in five service firms on the verge of exporting

  • 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.’
Read More

New BCC online export resource

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. 

Read More

UK must focus on export support

  • 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

Read More

BCC: Changes to visa system show UK open to investment

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:

Read More

BCC: Trade & manufacturing figures

  • 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
Read More

BCC on Osborne speech

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:

Read More

BCC: Tories, be ambitious for UK

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.

Read More

BCC International Trade Conference

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.

Read More

US/EU trade:Your views

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.

Read More

New Trade Manifesto Champions Export and Global Trade as the Key to Growth

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.

Read More

Global Trade: Reversal of Planned Changes, and What You Still Need to Do

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.

Read More

Thousands advised, £100,000s secured, and an events boost on the way: 2021 in review, 2022 on the horizon

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!

Read More

Royal Recognition as Peli BioThermal is Officially Presented with Queen’s Award for International Export Expertise

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

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

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.

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

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

One in five service firms on the verge of exporting

  • 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.’
Read More

New BCC online export resource

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. 

Read More

UK must focus on export support

  • 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

Read More

BCC: Changes to visa system show UK open to investment

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:

Read More

BCC: Trade & manufacturing figures

  • 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
Read More

BCC on Osborne speech

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:

Read More

BCC: Tories, be ambitious for UK

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.

Read More

BCC International Trade Conference

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.

Read More

US/EU trade:Your views

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.

Read More

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