UK Must Reform For Challenging New Trade Era

UK Must Reform For Challenging New Trade Era

A new Global Britain report from the British Chambers of Commerce is urging the Government to get the UK match fit for a more fractious era in trade. The report has 26 recommendations focussed on export growth, trade alliances, investment and economic diplomacy, regulatory reform and infrastructure. Its top asks…

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BCC Economic Forecast: Rising Business Costs to Hit Wider Economy

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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Business Concerned By Employment Rights Bill

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: • A lack of detailed consultation on wide ranging changes to Trade Union powers. Businesses are keen…

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Growth Slows As Businesses Face Mounting Costs

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 research…

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Pension Reform Must Unlock Growth

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…

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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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