Fragile Outlook Remains After NI Tax Hike

03rd July 2025

In the largest survey of business sentiment since April’s employer National Insurance rise, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2, shows confidence among firms remains weak. While price rise expectations have eased back from near historic highs in Q1 – tax remains the biggest concern...

Read more

BCC DIRECTOR GENERAL SHEVAUN HAVILAND:     NO MORE TAX ON BUSINESS

26th June 2025

If the Government is serious about growth, then it cannot tax business any further, Director General of the BCC, Shevaun Haviland, is set to warn. At the BCC’s Global Annual Conference 2025, Shevaun will unveil new research showing the impact of the increase in National Insurance Contributions on firms....

Read more

Industrial Strategy ‘An Important Milestone’  

23rd June 2025

Responding to the publication of the Industrial Strategy, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s Industrial Strategy is an important milestone towards creating a competitive economy that is fit for the future, with thriving businesses in every region of the UK. “From start-ups and...

Read more

Infrastructure Strategy Must Become Reality

20th June 2025

Responding to the publication of the Government’s Infrastructure Strategy, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy, said: “A 10-year strategy for infrastructure will give businesses and supply chains much needed clarity and certainty to plan. Crucially it will create a landscape for crowding in investment across all regions of...

Read more

Mounting Uncertainty Delays Further Rate Cut

19th June 2025

Responding to the latest Bank of England interest rate decision, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Yesterday’s CPI data confirmed that inflation remains stubbornly high, so today’s decision by the Bank of England to hold interest rates at 4.25% comes as no surprise.”...

Read more

Price Pressures Persist for Business

18th June 2025

Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Inflation easing slightly to 3.4% in May was widely expected, but this elevated level remains a real concern for businesses and confirms that price pressures...

Read more

US Tariff Relief For Automotives And Jet Engines

17th June 2025

Reacting to news that the US President has signed an Executive Order on the trade deal with the UK, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said: “News that the trade deal with the US has been agreed on automotives and jet engines will be music to the ears...

Read more

Exports Slump In April As Tariffs Hit

12th June 2025

Responding to the latest ONS data on trade, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:        “It’s clear there was significant front loading of goods exports to the US before April as firms looked to cushion the impact of tariffs. “We should always be cautious about reading...

Read more

Economy Volatile As Tariffs Hit

12th June 2025

Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said:  “With 0.7% growth in the 3 months to April, the UK economy enjoyed a strong start to the year as firms increased trade ahead of the...

Read more

Spending Review Must Be A Catalyst For Growth 

11th June 2025

Responding to the Comprehensive Spending Review, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said:   “Business has been waiting for Government to show it understands the deep-rooted problems holding back our economy and how they can be solved. “Today we have seen signs they get it, with action to...

Read more