Local Support, International Reach
Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the Office for National Statistics this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s data shows the first annual estimate of GDP came in at 1.3% in 2025, just below our own forecast of 1.4%....
Read moreA new report from the British Chambers of Commerce is calling for the government to reform the apprenticeship system to make it fit for the 21st Century. As the UK celebrates National Apprenticeships Week, it finds that the current framework is too rigid, lacks clarity, neglects higher-level skills and...
Read moreResponding to the latest interest rate decision from the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Holding the interest rate at 3.75% was expected as the Bank grapples with the twin challenges of domestic cost pressures and an unpredictable global outlook....
Read moreEssex & Suffolk Water is expanding its low income discount, making it easier for thousands more customers across Essex and Suffolk to receive support with their water bills. From April, households with a total income under £30,000 – up from the previous £26,000 threshold – may now qualify for...
Read moreLocal rail operator c2c Railway has announced that its customers have made three million contactless journeys to and from its Essex stations since first launching in February 2025. Marking its one-year anniversary, c2c has announced that a combined number of three million contactless journeys have now been made to...
Read moreOur 2026 physical events programme couldn’t have got off to a better start as we warmly welcomed participants from the Essex business community to The Magic Mushroom Restaurant where we were joined by distinguished guest speakers from Rathbones Group. Nestled in the heart of the Barleylands Farm Park, attendees...
Read moreNew survey data of over 2,000 exporters from the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit, has laid stark the impact of Brexit, Covid, war, and tariffs on the UK’s exports. The data was collected between 10 November and 8 December 2025. Ahead of the sixth anniversary of Brexit on January...
Read moreEssex & Suffolk Water is embarking on the biggest package of upgrades in its history, with a bold plan to enhance the environment, strengthen the essential water network and support communities in Essex and Suffolk. The water company, which serves over 1.8 million people across the region with reliable,...
Read moreThe British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling for the Prime Minister’s visit to China to be rooted in pragmatism and focused on delivering for the UK economy. As the UK navigates an increasingly fractured global trade landscape it cannot afford to ignore its third largest trading partner and...
Read moreEconomic growth is still being constrained by a planning system in England that is ‘too slow, under resourced and unpredictable’, according to a new British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) report. The report, Planning for Business and Growth, says that while recent government reforms signal the right intent, further urgent...
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