BCC Economic Forecast: Rising Business Costs to Hit Wider Economy

05th December 2024

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Forecast (QEF) has revised down growth expectations for 2024, but marginally improved GDP expectations for 2025 and 2026. Increased government spending is likely to boost GDP, however business investment and trade are likely to suffer in 2025 – through the impact...

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Businesses Crucial To Circular Economy Delivery

28th November 2024

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging policymakers across the UK to put British businesses at the heart of sustainability and waste reduction plans. Among the recommendations in the BCC’s Circular Economy report: The report examines the existing policy framework and future plans across all four nations of...

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Business Concerned By Employment Rights Bill

26th November 2024

The British Chambers of Commerce has used an evidence session on the Employment Rights Bill to highlight businesses’ serious concerns about the legislation and the speed and detail of consultation. The issues included: The BCC gave evidence at a hearing of the Employment Rights Bill Committee on the proposed...

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Inflation Rises as Cost Burdens Loom for Business

20th November 2024

Reacting to the latest inflation data from the ONS, David Bharier, Head of Research said: “While inflation is down considerably from this time last year, the larger than expected uptick in October highlights the continuing price pressures in the economy. Electricity and gas costs have risen sharply, with households...

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Growth Slows As Businesses Face Mounting Costs

15th November 2024

Responding to the latest GDP data published by the Office for National Statistics today, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s preliminary GDP data for Q3 at 0.1% suggests economic growth has lost some momentum in the second half of 2024. “Our latest...

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Pension Reform Must Unlock Growth

14th November 2024

Responding to the Chancellor’s proposals on pension reform, Shevaun Haviland, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Increased investment in the UK economy is crucial if businesses are to deliver the growth, we all want to see. “And with firms facing into a wall of fresh costs...

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Middle East Conflict Impacts Half Of UK Firms

14th November 2024

The findings, from the BCC’s Insights Unit, also show a rise in impact since February 2024, when firms were asked specifically about Red Sea disruption, and two-fifths (37%) were affected. Shipping container rates have fluctuated significantly since the current Middle East conflict began in October 2023. The cost of...

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Customs Procedures Still Holding Back UK Exports

13th November 2024

Customs procedures continue to be the main export hurdle for UK companies, according to a major new survey of businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit, published during International Trade Week. Over 1,300 businesses took part in the online survey during July and early August. Top perceived...

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Employment Cost Pressures Loom Large for SMEs

12th November 2024

Reacting to the latest ONS Labour Market data published this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy said: “The small uptick in unemployment and decline in payrolled employees suggests some further loosening of the labour market. Businesses will welcome a further fall in the rate of inactivity. “Despite some...

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SME Divide Revealed on Environmental Targets

11th November 2024

Ahead of COP 29, the UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) research has found a clear divide among SMEs on environmental targets. The survey, by the BCC’s award-winning Insights Unit, shows around half of firms with more than 50 employees say they have a...

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