Airport Expansion Vital to Boosting Growth

Airport Expansion Vital to Boosting Growth

Responding to reports that the Chancellor is preparing to support expansion plans at three UK airports, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Expanding the UK’s airport capacity is vital to driving economic growth and it remains a top priority for business. “We wholeheartedly support a…

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Brexit At Four: Trade Reset Must Deliver

• Two fifths (41%) of exporters disagree the Brexit deal is helping them grow sales. • Almost half (46%) of businesses want the Government to make it easier for UK staff to work in the EU. • More than three quarters (77%) of traders are unaware of details about new…

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UK Economy Continues to Tread Water

Reacting to the latest GDP data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With no growth in the three months to November 2024, and a very limited uptick for the month itself, it’s clear that the UK economy continues to be stuck in…

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Inflation Dips but Price Pressures on Business Remain

Reacting to the latest inflation data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s slight dip in the inflation rate is welcome but it’s not a game-changer. Underlying price pressures within the economy are clear following the Budget. The path ahead on interest…

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Taskforce Meets to Shape North Sea’s Energy Future

An independent taskforce has met for the first time to ensure the North Sea’s strategic transition from oil and gas to a renewable future, while safeguarding up to 200,000 jobs. The North Sea Transition Taskforce brings together a diverse group of experts from industry, sustainability, supply chains, academia, and unions.…

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Workforce Growth Struggles as Budget Costs Loom

The proportion of firms who increased their workforce falls to less than a quarter (24%) from 27% in Q3 Of those attempting to recruit 79% of firms faced difficulties, up from 76% last quarter 75% of firms say they are facing pressure to put up prices because of labour costs …

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Budget Tax Hike Bursts Business Confidence

63% of businesses say tax, including national insurance, is now a concern, following the Chancellor’s Budget – the highest level since 2017 Business confidence has slipped to its lowest level since the aftermath of the mini-Budget in Autumn 2022 A majority of firms (55%) now expect prices to go up…

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Inflation Jumps as Businesses Face Mounting Costs

Reacting to the latest inflation data released this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “A slight ticking-up of the CPI to 2.6% shows that inflation remains a threat to the UK economy. The Bank of England is likely to remain cautious and hold…

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Wage Pressure A Headache For Firms

Reacting to the latest ONS Labour Market data published this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy said:      “News that wages have been rising faster will be a concern for businesses as they continue to grapple with the huge increase in employment costs announced in the autumn Budget. The…

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Chancellor Meets BCC Business Council

Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, met with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Business Council this morning (Wednesday 11th Dec), to discuss October’s Budget and the Government’s long-term plans to boost growth. The event was an opportunity for the senior business leaders to raise the impact of policy measures, including the rise…

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