The British Chambers of Commerce has used an evidence session on the Employment Rights Bill to highlight businesses’ serious concerns about the legislation and the speed and detail of consultation. The issues included: The BCC gave evidence at a hearing of the Employment Rights Bill Committee on the proposed...
Read moreThe local train operator Trenitalia c2c commemorated the 50th anniversary of Basildon station’s opening with a midday birthday celebration event supported by local businesses on Monday, 25 November. With its first passenger journeys having taken place on 25 November 1974, c2c and Basildon Council led the celebrations for the...
Read moreReacting to the latest inflation data from the ONS, David Bharier, Head of Research said: “While inflation is down considerably from this time last year, the larger than expected uptick in October highlights the continuing price pressures in the economy. Electricity and gas costs have risen sharply, with households...
Read moreEssex Chambers of Commerce held its annual Festival of Business on 13 November at Chelmsford City Racecourse. Despite the autumnal chill and challenging traffic conditions in the morning it was very well attended, with over 100 exhibitors and in excess of 700 attendees. This event showcases and celebrates the...
Read moreResponding to the latest GDP data published by the Office for National Statistics today, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s preliminary GDP data for Q3 at 0.1% suggests economic growth has lost some momentum in the second half of 2024. “Our latest...
Read moreResponding to the Chancellor’s proposals on pension reform, Shevaun Haviland, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Increased investment in the UK economy is crucial if businesses are to deliver the growth, we all want to see. “And with firms facing into a wall of fresh costs...
Read moreThe findings, from the BCC’s Insights Unit, also show a rise in impact since February 2024, when firms were asked specifically about Red Sea disruption, and two-fifths (37%) were affected. Shipping container rates have fluctuated significantly since the current Middle East conflict began in October 2023. The cost of...
Read moreCustoms procedures continue to be the main export hurdle for UK companies, according to a major new survey of businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit, published during International Trade Week. Over 1,300 businesses took part in the online survey during July and early August. Top perceived...
Read moreReacting to the latest ONS Labour Market data published this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy said: “The small uptick in unemployment and decline in payrolled employees suggests some further loosening of the labour market. Businesses will welcome a further fall in the rate of inactivity. “Despite some...
Read moreAhead of COP 29, the UN Climate Change Conference in Azerbaijan, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) research has found a clear divide among SMEs on environmental targets. The survey, by the BCC’s award-winning Insights Unit, shows around half of firms with more than 50 employees say they have a...
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