Employment Cost Pressures Loom Large for SMEs

Employment Cost Pressures Loom Large for SMEs

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 easing,…

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Customs Procedures Still Holding Back UK Exports

• Major survey of UK businesses finds customs procedures remain the top barrier to exporting (cited by 45% of companies) • 40% of firms say geo-political events have impacted their business over the last year • 37% of exporters anticipate an increase export business over the next 12 months, but…

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SME Divide Revealed on Environmental Targets

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 recycling…

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Rate Respite for Businesses after Tough Budget

Responding to the latest interest rate decision by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said:    “As businesses continue to digest the difficult implications of last week’s Budget, a further interest rate cut is some good news for firms.     “The…

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Tough Budget For Business

Reacting to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:     “This is a tough budget for business to swallow but the Chancellor has looked to ease the pain by holding out a promise of better days ahead.    “While some protection for smaller firms is…

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Government Action Needed to Boost Vital £32bn Visitor Economy

Strong industry-Government partnerships are key to ensuring the UK’s visitor economy continues to thrive, according to a new report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts.    • To help grow the tourism, hospitality, events and attractions industries, the report makes a series…

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Tax Reform Can Ease Workplace Health Crisis

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging the Chancellor to ease the workplace health crisis by reforming the tax system. Its two calls ahead of the Autumn Budget are: For the Government to make all occupational health, cash plans and medical insurance a non-taxable benefit in kind for employees.…

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Labour Market Remains In Flux

Responding to the latest ONS labour market statistics, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With vacancies continuing to fall and the pace of wage rises slowing, it would appear there are further signs of the labour market loosening.     “It’s good to…

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Quarterly Recruitment Outlook: Fewer Firms Recruiting

The proportion of firms attempting to recruit new workers falls to its lowest level in three years at 56%. There are significant sectoral differences with transport (73%), hospitality (70%) and construction (67%) most likely to be attempting to recruit.  Of those attempting to recruit 76% faced difficulties, up from 74%…

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Industrial Strategy Must Give UK A Competitive Advantage

Reacting to news of the launch of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:    “An industrial strategy is a key plank of the UK’s growth agenda; it is vital in securing the long-term stability that businesses need to plan ahead and invest.     “But…

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