Budget Tax Hike Bursts Business Confidence

06th January 2025

In the largest poll of business sentiment since October’s Budget, the BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey, shows concern about tax, including national insurance, has spiked. Following the Chancellor’s autumn statement, 63% of firms cited it as a worry (compared with 48% in Q3), the highest level on record. Concern about...

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Brexit At Four: Trade Reset Must Deliver

23rd December 2024

A new survey by the BCC’s Insights Unit of 1,111 businesses (92% SMEs) shows the urgency for the Government to reset trade relations with the EU is increasing. The BCC report, assessing the fourth year of Brexit, identifies fresh challenges as regulations continue to diverge, creating further headaches for...

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Rates Held Amid Growing Price Pressures

19th December 2024

Reacting to the latest interest rate decision, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With inflation ticking up and wage growth accelerating, it’s unsurprising the Bank of England is adopting a cautious approach by holding interest rates at 4.75%. “Our recent forecast suggests further cuts...

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Inflation Jumps as Businesses Face Mounting Costs

18th December 2024

Reacting to the latest inflation data released this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “A slight ticking-up of the CPI to 2.6% shows that inflation remains a threat to the UK economy. The Bank of England is likely to remain cautious and...

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Skills for growth top agenda for business leaders and government

17th December 2024

Education Secretary and Business Secretary host call with business leaders from a range of key sectors to outline how the Plan for Change will deliver for them. The government will enlist the help of business to help it develop skills opportunities to meet the government’s mission to kickstart economic...

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Wage Pressure A Headache For Firms

17th December 2024

Reacting to the latest ONS Labour Market data published this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy said:  “News that wages have been rising faster will be a concern for businesses as they continue to grapple with the huge increase in employment costs announced in the autumn Budget. The...

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RED-LETTER DAY AS ASIA-PACIFIC TRADE DEAL, CPTPP, STARTS

16th December 2024

Reacting to the UK formally joining the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) today, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:  “This is a red-letter day for our traders.  There are few multi-national trade agreements like the CPTPP. It connects us to a fast-growing region...

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Exports Slowing But Services In Better Shape

13th December 2024

Responding to the latest ONS data on trade, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:   “There has been a slowdown in both services and goods trade in the three months since July. This links in with other economic data showing a dampening of demand. “Trade data...

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Swinging into the Festive Season at Topgolf

13th December 2024

To wrap up our physical networking events for 2024 we decided to do things a little differently with a trip to Chigwell to enjoy the fantastic facilities at Topgolf. Our attendees braved the chilly weather but soon warmed up with a delicious festive buffet before taking to their heated...

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Economy Stutters with Extra Business Costs Approaching

13th December 2024

Reacting to the latest GDP data released this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With growth of just 0.1% in the three months to October and an unexpected fall in the monthly GDP, the UK economy was already fragile ahead of recent...

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