Business Welcomes Erasmus+ Announcement

17th December 2025

Reacting to news of the UK rejoining Erasmus+, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Businesses will be enthusiastic about the UK’s re-entry to the Erasmus+ programme from 2027. This will allow them to maximise its full benefits for training, apprenticeships, skills, further and higher education,...

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Business Cheered By Further Fall In Inflation

17th December 2025

Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said:   “Businesses will be cheered by the larger than expected slowing of inflation in November to 3.2%, suggesting it is now past its peak. “With unemployment on the rise and wage...

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Gloomy Picture for Jobs and Opportunities

16th December 2025

Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS published this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The latest data paints a gloomy picture for jobs, opportunities and growth. It reflects what businesses tell us – they are less...

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New EU Customs Duties To Hit Small Businesses

15th December 2025

Reacting to the EU’s decision today on de minimis exemptions and new customs duties from 1 July 2026, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said:  “The decision to charge a flat customs duty of €3 on each commodity code for consignments worth less than €150 entering the EU will...

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Services Trade Flat As Goods Exports Rebound

12th December 2025

Reacting to the latest trade data for October from the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Services export growth has been sluggish for several months and this trajectory continued in October. On goods, the rollercoaster ride of 2025 has continued with...

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North Sea Plan ‘Doomed To Fail’ Without Tax Change

11th December 2025

The BCC has reacted to the Government’s recently released North Sea Future Plan. It commented after accompanying Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce to HM Treasury to hand in a letter signed by 7,000 businesses and workers calling for the windfall tax to be axed. Ben Martin, Policy Manager...

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BCC Economic Forecast: Budget Unlikely to Be Growth Game Changer

11th December 2025

The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast suggests last month’s Budget is unlikely to kickstart the UK economy. The first forecast by a major business organisation since the Chancellor’s statement shows the UK’s growth outlook will remain subdued. The key points: UK Economic Outlook      The UK economy...

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Pharmaceuticals Deal A Welcome Boost For UK

02nd December 2025

Reacting to news of a pharmaceuticals deal with the US, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The original trade deal, agreed with the US in May, promised preferential outcomes on pharmaceuticals tariffs for the UK. We are pleased to see this has now been delivered,...

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Employment Rights Amendment Welcomed 

28th November 2025

Reacting to the news that the Government has agreed to a six-month qualifying period for unfair dismissal in the Employment Rights Bill, the six business groups involved in tripartite discussions, said:   “Businesses will be relieved that the Government has agreed to a key amendment to the Employment Rights Bill...

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Relief On Tax But No Blueprint For Growth

26th November 2025

Responding to the Chancellor’s Budget statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The Chancellor has listened to our calls and made the right choice by not piling major new tax rises on businesses’ shoulders, which will calm nerves. “Firms will be pleased to see...

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