Q2 Growth Masks Underlying Business Pain

14th August 2025

Responding to the latest GDP data published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Better than expected data for both Q2 and the month of June are welcome – but the numbers mask the underlying pain being felt by businesses...

Read more

UK Exports To US Hit 3-Year Low

14th August 2025

UK Exports To US Hit 3-Year Low Commenting on the latest ONS trade data, BCC Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, said: “Tariff effects are clearly being felt by companies exporting to the US. Total goods exports across the Atlantic for Q2 2025 were 13.5% lower than a year...

Read more

Firms ‘Feeling the Heat’ Despite Wage Growth Easing 

12th August 2025

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:   “With businesses feeling the heat from a raft of cost-pressures, a larger easing of average earnings, including bonuses, to 4.6% in...

Read more

Rate Cut Will Help Firms in Choppy Waters

07th August 2025

Responding to the latest interest rate decision by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said:  “Businesses will welcome the decision to cut the base rate to 4%, marking a further move away from a prolonged period of elevated borrowing costs....

Read more

Office Return Varies Across Sectors

06th August 2025

Over two fifths (41%) of businesses have increased their requirement for onsite working over the past year, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). While most of the firms (67%) who require onsite working say it hasn’t impacted recruitment or retention, one in ten relevant...

Read more

SME Exporters Hit By New US Customs Charges

31st July 2025

Responding to President Trump’s decision to charge import duties for low value goods entering the US, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “This development has been coming for several months but is still a major blow to UK exporters to the US. Smaller firms and sole traders, who...

Read more

Small Business Plan ‘Important Step Forward’

31st July 2025

Responding to the launch of the Government’s Small Business Plan, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: “This is a much-needed step forward in recognition and support for SMEs, which are the backbone of the UK economy. Late payments, access to finance and business support are all issues...

Read more

MPs Urged to Back Key ERB Amendments 

25th July 2025

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling on MPs to support key amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, when it returns to the Commons. Several changes to the legislation, which were proposed during this week’s Report Stage in the House of Lords, have the backing of the BCC....

Read more

Government Must Harness Retail Investor Optimism

23rd July 2025

A major new Retail Investor Sentiment survey, carried out for the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit, immediately after the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech, shows increased optimism that could be harnessed to grow the UK economy. Over 2,500 investment platform users were polled by Find Out Now on...

Read more

Rising Real Wages Pile On More Pressure  

17th July 2025

Responding to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:    “The ONS data suggests that the jobs market is continuing to loosen as unemployment rises, vacancies fall again, and wage growth slows. However, pay...

Read more