National Insurance Creating ‘Powder Keg’ of Costs

National Insurance Creating ‘Powder Keg’ of Costs

82% of firms surveyed say the National Insurance (NI) rise will impact their business Most responding businesses say the increase in NI will impact recruitment (58%) and prices (54%)  Over three quarters (79%) of businesses do not feel the government has properly assessed the impact of its new policies The…

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Businesses Feeling the Strain of Inflationary Pressures

Reacting to the latest inflation published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said:    “Today’s data underlines the inflationary pressures in the economy right now and the real challenges businesses are facing.     “Firms are having to deal with significant cost…

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BCC In Trade Reset Push With EU Ambassadors

The BCC has met with Ambassadors from across the EU to make the case for a trade relations reset that benefits businesses on both sides. Director General, Shevaun Haviland, and Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, were hosted, this afternoon, at the German Embassy by Ambassador, Miguel Berger. They were…

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New US Tariff Proposals Would Hit UK Economy

Reacting to the proposals for new reciprocal tariffs outlined by the US Government today, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “These new proposals for reciprocal and differential tariffs will create more cost and uncertainty for investors, businesses and consumers across the world. “Plans to factor in countries’ VAT regimes…

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Goods Exports Underperform in 2024

Responding to the latest ONS data on trade, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:  “The final trade data for 2024 shows the UK’s export performance is continuing to operate at two different speeds. “Exports of services remain robust and are generating solid growth across European and…

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Economy Grows but Chill of Uncertainty Remains

Responding to the latest GDP data released by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Confirmation that the economy grew slightly in Q4 is a small bit of relief for businesses in challenging times. However, regardless of the headline data, it’s clear…

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Cool Heads Needed As Manufacturing Exporters Fear Tariff Impact

Almost two thirds (63%) of manufacturers that export say they will be impacted by US tariffs. More widely a third (34%) of businesses surveyed overall fear they will be affected. Firms are worried about the direct cost impact but also the wider issue of depressed global demand. New research by…

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Business Key To Government Spending Plans

The BCC is urging Government to help firms grow as it considers its future spending plans. The business group’s submission to His Majesty’s Treasury for the Comprehensive Spending Review contains 49 recommendations on ways to grow the economy that the Government should support. The top asks include: Get Britain Thriving…

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Rate Cut Eases Some Pressure Points

Reacting to the latest interest rate decision, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Given the raft of cost pressures and global economic uncertainties businesses are facing, today’s interest rate cut provides a measure of relief for SMEs. “Since the Autumn Budget our research has shown…

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Firms Face Increasing Cyber Security Risk

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is warning that businesses face increased cyber security risks without stronger engagement with government. Among the recommendations in a new report published today, the BCC is calling for ministers to: • Carry out a cyber security awareness programme for businesses, particularly smaller firms •…

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