Local Support, International Reach
New research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insights Unit, involving over 2,400 exporters, shows overseas exports have fallen dramatically in the second quarter. The survey, carried out between Monday 11 May and Monday 9 June, found that just 16% of exporters reported an increase in export orders, while 26% reported a fall, and 58% reported...
Read moreResponding to the latest GDP data, published by the Office for National Statistics this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The latest ONS data shows a fragile economy weighed down by geopolitical tensions and domestic cost pressures. “With GDP growing by 0.7% in...
Read moreReacting to the UK-India trade deal entering into force, Steve Lynch MBE, Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It has been a tough few years for UK traders but there is a real buzz among businesses about this deal entering into force. It is...
Read moreResponding to the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech, Kate Shoesmith, Policy Director at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “There were clear themes in tonight’s speech by the Chancellor that businesses will hope are carried on by Andy Burnham’s new administration. “Over the last two years, the Chancellor has supported...
Read moreReacting to news of an upgraded free trade agreement with Switzerland, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “This is an important upgrade as Switzerland is one of the UK’s largest trading partners, especially in services. It will provide welcome certainty for thousands of companies in...
Read moreTens of thousands of small businesses to receive a boost, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves announces most significant reforms to small business finance in years. The changes will help businesses grow, invest and create jobs across the country, and come ahead of the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech on Tuesday. It...
Read moreLess than a quarter (23%) of firms are expecting to increase the size of their workforce over the coming months, according to the latest data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The BCC’s Quarterly Recruitment Outlook shows most businesses (66%) are planning to keep with their existing staffing...
Read moreA pioneering scheme for business-led skills planning in England has been given the green light for another three years by the government. Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) have been running for four years and have engaged thousands of people and employers in the training and education that firms desperately need. There are 39 LSIPs in England and 33 of them...
Read moreThe future of skills in the county has taken a major step forward with the launch of the new Greater Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-2029. Essex is one of 39 areas targeted nationally for the mandated programme of work laid out by Government. Fronted by the Essex...
Read moreNew plans published on 10 July will make sure local training equips people with skills needed by local employers. A total of 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), covering the upcoming three years, have been unveiled across England. They provide detailed insight and analysis into what priority economic sectors...
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