Local Support, International Reach
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...
Read moreCommenting 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...
Read moreThe 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...
Read moreResponding 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...
Read moreNew 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...
Read moreWe 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...
Read moreResponding 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...
Read moreNearly three quarters of firms (71%) say they experienced hiring difficulties in Q1 of 2026, according to the latest data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The research, published as the first elements of the Employment Rights Act come into effect, shows just 29% of businesses reporting no...
Read moreEssex Chambers of Commerce is stepping into a fresh and exciting chapter, with Ruth Gilbert set to join as Chief Executive this July. The transition will unfold over the summer and autumn, giving plenty of time to ensure everything continues to run smoothly for members. Ruth will be working...
Read moreConfidence among firms remained fragile at the start of 2026, despite some small shoots of recovery, according to the UK’s largest business sentiment survey. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey also shows labour costs continued to be the biggest cost concern for businesses in Q1, followed...
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