Celebrating Legacy and Luxury at Fenwick Colchester

03rd July 2025

The British high street is synonymous with iconic brands and cherished institutions. While many household names have sadly disappeared in recent years, Fenwick is a name and a legacy that has survived and thrived for over 140 years. Recently we were delighted to welcome attendees to Fenwick Colchester to...

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Fragile Outlook Remains After NI Tax Hike

03rd July 2025

In the largest survey of business sentiment since April’s employer National Insurance rise, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2, shows confidence among firms remains weak. While price rise expectations have eased back from near historic highs in Q1 – tax remains the biggest concern...

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New 2025 Essex LSIP Progress Report Published Highlighting Key Developments in Local Skills Planning

01st July 2025

The Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team is pleased to announce the publication of its latest Progress Report, detailing important advancements in aligning local education provision with the skills needs of employers across the region. This updated report marks a significant milestone in Essex’s journey to address regional...

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Chambers Annual Golf Day 2025: A Swinging Success

26th June 2025

A long-standing highlight of the Essex Chamber events calendar, our Annual Golf Day returned in triumph for its sixth year. This time in an exciting new location, we were delighted to bring this popular event to the impressive course at Canons Brook Golf Club in Harlow. Players took to...

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BCC DIRECTOR GENERAL SHEVAUN HAVILAND:     NO MORE TAX ON BUSINESS

26th June 2025

If the Government is serious about growth, then it cannot tax business any further, Director General of the BCC, Shevaun Haviland, is set to warn. At the BCC’s Global Annual Conference 2025, Shevaun will unveil new research showing the impact of the increase in National Insurance Contributions on firms....

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Industrial Strategy ‘An Important Milestone’  

23rd June 2025

Responding to the publication of the Industrial Strategy, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s Industrial Strategy is an important milestone towards creating a competitive economy that is fit for the future, with thriving businesses in every region of the UK. “From start-ups and...

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Powering Britain’s future: Electricity bills to be slashed for over 7,000 businesses in major industry shake-up

23rd June 2025

Industrial Strategy sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business. More than 7,000 British businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25% from 2027, as the Government unveiled its bold new...

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ECC Welcomes Open Road as our Nominated Charity of the Year 2025/26

23rd June 2025

The Essex Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce that we will be working with Open Road as our Nominated Charity of the Year for 2025/26. Throughout the year, the Chambers team will be committed to championing the charity and raising awareness and funds for them to continue the...

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Infrastructure Strategy Must Become Reality

20th June 2025

Responding to the publication of the Government’s Infrastructure Strategy, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy, said: “A 10-year strategy for infrastructure will give businesses and supply chains much needed clarity and certainty to plan. Crucially it will create a landscape for crowding in investment across all regions of...

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Mounting Uncertainty Delays Further Rate Cut

19th June 2025

Responding to the latest Bank of England interest rate decision, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Yesterday’s CPI data confirmed that inflation remains stubbornly high, so today’s decision by the Bank of England to hold interest rates at 4.25% comes as no surprise.”...

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