Major Upgrade of Gas Pipes Along Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea

03rd July 2024

We have been made aware by Cadent, the owners and maintainers of Essex’s gas network, that there will be upcoming gas works taking place along Southchurch Road, in Southend-on-Sea. Cadent will be undertaking a large gas pipe replacement project from 22 July for 20 weeks at Southchurch Road. This...

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BCC DIRECTOR GENERAL SHEVAUN HAVILAND:  STOP TREADING ON EGGSHELLS AROUND EU TRADE

27th June 2024

Director General of the BCC, Shevaun Haviland, has urged the next Government to stop treading on eggshells around trade with the EU if it wants to grow the UK economy.  She will make the plea at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Global Annual Conference 2024 on Thursday June 27....

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Bank Seeks Further Evidence Before Rate Cut

20th June 2024

Reacting to the Bank of England’s latest interest rate decision, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s decision was widely expected, and it’s clear the Bank of England is taking a cautious approach before making a much-anticipated rate cut. “Yesterday’s data showing CPI...

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Inflation at Target, Raises Rate Cut Hopes

19th June 2024

Responding to the latest inflation data published by ONS, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  “Today’s data showing CPI easing to the Bank of England’s 2% target, is a further sign that the UK is exiting the inflation crisis which began in late...

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Warning of false claims on deadlines to appeal the 2023 business rates list

18th June 2024

Be aware of false claims about deadlines to appeal the 2023 list for business rates. The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is aware of false claims that the deadline for appeals to the 2023 rating lists is 30 June. This is not true. You should be wary of anyone making...

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Goods Imports Up And Exports Down In April

14th June 2024

Responding to the latest trade data published by the ONS this morning, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Services continue to perform particularly well among UK exports, with solid increases in the past three months. Goods exports performed less well in April,...

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No GDP Growth In April But Broader Trend Ticks Up

12th June 2024

Responding to the latest GDP data published by ONS this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  “While there was no growth in April, it’s important to focus on the broader trend, rather than volatile monthly movements. “Growth of 0.7% in the three...

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Skills Focus Vital To Solve Labour Market Conundrum

12th June 2024

Responding to the latest labour market data published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:  “There are further signs that the labour market is cooling as vacancies continue to fall and unemployment ticks up. However, this has...

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BCC Economic Forecast

07th June 2024

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Forecast has slightly upgraded growth expectations for 2024 and 2025, following a stronger start to the year. However, the forecast for 2026 remains unchanged. UK Economic Outlook       The UK economy is expected to continue its recovery after the short recession at...

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Clear Action Needed to Help Firms Navigate Digital Future

04th June 2024

The British Chambers of Commerce has launched its Digital Revolution report outlining a framework to create a connected, dynamic and secure future for UK businesses. Among the recommendations are: The Digital Revolution report is a key part of the BCC’s Election Manifesto focusing on the ‘Future of the Economy’...

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