Businesses Fear Inflation ‘Calm Before The Storm’

16th April 2025

Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “A small drop in the rate of inflation is always welcome. However, businesses fear it is the calm before the storm over the months ahead. “Today’s...

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Labour Market Pressures Bearing Down on Firms

15th April 2025

Responding to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The labour market continues to be a significant pressure bearing down on businesses of all sizes. “The rising cost of employment is a...

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UK Tariff Pause Will Help Business and Consumers 

15th April 2025

Responding to the news that the UK Global Tariff is being paused on dozens of products, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Tariffs are an additional cost burden that often have to be absorbed by firms or picked up by consumers and...

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Businesses Welcome UK Export Support Package Amid Global Uncertainty

13th April 2025

Responding to the announcements from the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary to support UK exporters, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: “The BCC called last week for enhanced credit and financial support through UK Export Finance and the British Business...

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Exports To US Rose Ahead Of Tariffs

11th April 2025

Responding to the latest ONS data on trade, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:  “There are clear signs that UK firms increased goods exports to the US ahead of the introduction of tariffs. Data for the past three months shows a 23% increase in the...

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Growth Returns But Firms Braced For Difficult Months Ahead

11th April 2025

Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The stronger than expected GDP rebound in February, and positive data for the three months, are welcome news. There was an encouraging story from both the...

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Costs Pressures Hitting Workforce Growth

10th April 2025

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insight Unit’s latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO) reveals only a fifth (20%) of firms increased their workforce over the last three months. This is down from 24% in Q4 2024, as business grapple with rising costs, including the national insurance hike. Meanwhile, 63%...

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Is Your Business Prepared for Martyn’s Law?

07th April 2025

As Martyn’s Law has now officially become law, local businesses in the entertainment, hospitality, and childcare sectors are required to prepare for significant changes to their security protocols. The legislation, which received Royal Assent, aims to safeguard public venues from the growing threat of terrorism and will start having...

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Networking & Nourishment for Body & Mind with Anurag Aggarwal

07th April 2025

On a beautifully sunny spring evening in early April, we had the pleasure of welcoming attendees to Finishing Line’s Basildon headquarters for a special networking event featuring a charismatic and talented chef. Since making it to the finals of MasterChef in 2023, Anurag Aggarwal has been spreading his positivity...

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Extent Of US Tariff Impact Revealed

07th April 2025

A snap poll, by the British Chambers of Commerce award-winning Insights Unit, of more than 600 businesses has revealed the extent to which UK firms expect to be hit by US tariffs. Using its unique access to companies in the Chamber Network, the research was rapidly carried out between...

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