East of England Co-op joins forces with Essex Police and other retailers to tackle retail crime

08th August 2024

Local retailer, East of England Co-op, is working in collaboration with Essex Police and other retailers to tackle crime against shops and retail workers. On Wednesday (31 August), the force’s Business Crime Team joined colleagues from the East of England Co-op’s dedicated Security team for a Safer Business Action...

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Britain is open for business: Chancellor visits North America in investment drive

08th August 2024

Rachel Reeves to bang the drum for Britain in visit to New York City and Toronto this week. Chancellor Rachel Reeves on 5 August set off on a visit to New York and Toronto with the message that Britain is open for business. She will meet with CEOs and...

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Government Contracts Still Out of Reach for Many SMEs

08th August 2024

Only 20% of direct procurement spend from the wider public sector (including central government) went to SMEs in 2023, according to the latest report by the British Chambers of Commerce and data provider Tussell. The BCC’s SME Procurement Tracker powered by Tussell – now in its second year –...

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Planning Framework Must Be A Catalyst For Growth 

30th July 2024

Responding to the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said: “This framework has the potential to unlock the planning system in England and boost economic growth, but the proof of success will inevitably be judged in its delivery...

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Businesses Eager For Clarity 

30th July 2024

Responding to today’s statement by the Chancellor, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  “If businesses succeed, our communities prosper, the economy grows, and the wealth needed to support our public services is created. “Companies know that efficient management of public finances and services is...

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New Digital Trade Deal A Big Win

26th July 2024

Reacting to the UK joining the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) E-commerce initiative, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “This deal between the UK and 90 of its global trading partners is good news for business. We are expecting global trade to show good growth this...

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Most SMEs Still Struggling to Embrace AI

25th July 2024

The majority of SMEs are still not using artificial intelligence, despite a growing acceptance by businesses that it will help boost productivity. Research carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit in partnership with specialist recruiter Pertemps Network Group, shows: The BCC research found overall, 43% of...

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Barriers To Work Must Be Removed

23rd July 2024

Reacting to the launch of the Pathways Into Employment report and plans for a new Government White Paper, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said: “The Government is right to focus on getting more people into jobs and giving local areas the tools to do...

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Skills Crucial To Economic Growth

22nd July 2024

Responding to the launch of Skills England, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said: “The UK economy has a pervasive skills and productivity problem that stretches back long before the pandemic and Brexit. “Skills shortages ramp up pressure on firms, damaging their ability to operate profitably...

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Delivering On Skills Must Be A Priority

18th July 2024

Responding to the latest labour market data published by the ONS, Jane Gratton Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The labour market is continuing to cool but high wage growth is still bearing down heavily on businesses. Our research shows labour costs are...

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