Bleak Trade Picture For Most SME Exporters

Bleak Trade Picture For Most SME Exporters

BCC’s Trade Confidence Outlook for Q2 2024 shows most SME exporters overseas sales are flatlining.  More than half of all SME exporters (52%) saw no change in overseas sales, and 21% reported a decrease. Just over a quarter of exporting SME firms (27%) saw their overseas sales rise in Q2.…

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Planning Framework Must Be A Catalyst For Growth

Responding to the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said:     “This framework has the potential to unlock the planning system in England and boost economic growth, but the proof of success will inevitably be judged in its delivery…

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Businesses Eager For Clarity

Responding to today’s statement by the Chancellor, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:     “If businesses succeed, our communities prosper, the economy grows, and the wealth needed to support our public services is created.     “Companies know that efficient management of public finances and services…

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Skills Crucial To Economic Growth

Responding to the launch of Skills England, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said: “The UK economy has a pervasive skills and productivity problem that stretches back long before the pandemic and Brexit. “Skills shortages ramp up pressure on firms, damaging their ability to operate profitably…

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Most SMEs Still Struggling to Embrace AI

The majority of SMEs are still not using artificial intelligence, despite a growing acceptance by businesses that it will help boost productivity.      Research carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit in partnership with specialist recruiter Pertemps Network Group, shows:    • 43% of firms have…

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Delivering On Skills Must Be A Priority

Responding to the latest labour market data published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The labour market is continuing to cool but high wage growth is still bearing down heavily on businesses. Our research shows labour costs…

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King’s Speech: Industrial Strategy Can Release Business Ambition

Responding to today’s King’s Speech, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:     “The commitment to an industrial strategy could put in place a framework to unleash the pent-up ambition of British business to grow the economy.    “If we use it to make green innovation…

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Inflation Holding Steady

Reacting to the latest ONS data on inflation, David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said:    “Today’s data indicating a 2% increase in the CPI rate shows the UK is exiting its three-year inflation crisis and makes a bank rate cut more likely.    “Our own indicator, tracking…

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Quarterly Recruitment Outlook: Construction Suffers As Hiring Difficulties Rise

• Businesses report recruitment was more difficult in Q2, with more firms facing problems hiring staff • 74% of firms that attempted to recruit over the past three months faced challenges hiring • Construction and engineering firms are the most likely to be facing recruitment problems (82%) • 59% of…

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UK Growth Better Than Expected

Responding to the latest GDP figures published this morning by the ONS, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:    “The UK has had a strong start to the year and today’s data showing 0.9% growth in GDP in the three months to May is better…

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