Hospitality & Heritage at Genting Casino Westcliff

24th April 2026

Our business community recently had a fantastic opportunity to experience the luxurious surroundings of the newly refurbished Genting Casino Westcliff. We were delighted to welcome so many valued businesses to connect and enjoy the exceptional hospitality of the casino team. We’ve hosted several networking events at Genting Casino Westcliff...

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Iran Conflict Deepens Inflation Concerns

22nd April 2026

Responding to the latest inflation data, published this morning by the Office for National Statistics, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s 3.3% inflation figure for March is an early signal that the Iran conflict is feeding through into official data and impacting...

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Skills Planning Vital To Tackle Gen Z Drift

20th April 2026

A new report on a pioneering scheme for business-led skills planning in England has identified a pressing need to better engage Generation Z with the workplace.   The analysis of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) found they have engaged thousands of people and employers in the training and education that firms...

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National Living Wage Consultation

16th April 2026

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has opened its annual consultation on the National Living Wage (NLW) and wider minimum wage policy. This year, the LPC is seeking evidence on the impact of the April 2026 increase, the effects on youth employment, and the outlook for apprenticeships. Full information on...

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Exports Remain Flat As Economy Grows

16th April 2026

Commenting on the latest trade data released by the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “February was a weak month for UK exports, even before the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. The one high point was increased goods sales to the...

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Government cuts electricity bills for 10,000 manufacturers in boost for UK competitiveness

16th April 2026

The Government has announced that electricity bills will be cut by up to 25% for over 10,000 businesses through the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme. The Chancellor Rachel Reeves today [16 April] confirmed electricity bill cuts for over 10,000 manufacturers as the next phase of the Government’s plan to boost...

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Growth Shoots Risk Being Snuffed out by Iran Conflict

16th April 2026

Responding to the latest GDP data published this morning by the Office for National Statistics, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “GDP growth of 0.5% in the three months to February shows the UK economy performed better than expected at the start of...

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Smaller Exporters Struggling To Make Headway

14th April 2026

New research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit, involving over 2,000  exporters, shows they were continuing to toil ahead of the disruption caused by the Iran War. The survey, carried out between Monday 9 February and Monday 9 March, found that overall, 25% of exporters reported an increase...

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Driving Connections: Networking at Porsche Centre Colchester

09th April 2026

We were delighted to welcome attendees for a truly unique networking breakfast, set against the backdrop of early morning sunshine and the luxurious surroundings of Porsche Centre Colchester. At Essex Chambers of Commerce, we are proud to connect our business community with prestigious brands such as Porsche. The Colchester...

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Trade Union Access Proposals ‘A Blow For Business’

09th April 2026

Responding to the government’s proposals on Trade Union Rights of Access, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: “Smaller firms fear that plans to give Trade Unions new rights of access to their premises will damage productivity at a time when they are already under significant pressure.  “Good...

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