Devolution Plans must Deliver on Local Economic Growth

10th July 2025

After the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was introduced to Parliament, Jonny Haseldine, Head of Corporate Governance and Business Environment Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will welcome further devolution to communities across England if it helps accelerate local economic growth. “As local leaders take...

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BCC Welcome Clarity On Energy Pricing

10th July 2025

Responding to the government’s decision not to introduce zonal pricing, Ben Martin, Policy Manager at the BCC, said: “We believe the government has made the right decision in ruling out zonal energy pricing. Its Clean Power Mission has the right ambition; to ensure that the UK’s electricity system can...

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Trade Strategy Must Support Smaller Exporters

10th July 2025

The Trade Confidence Outlook, conducted by the BCC’s award-winning Insights Unit, is a survey of just over 2,000 UK exporters.   The data was collected between 12 May and 9 June, after a narrow trade deal with the US was agreed but before any changes came into effect. The EU...

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Funding Opportunity: Growth Catalyst Early Stage – New Innovators

07th July 2025

Innovate UK is offering a share of £10 million to UK-registered micro and small businesses through the Growth Catalyst Early Stage: New Innovators competition. This is aimed at businesses that have not previously received Innovate UK funding and are developing affordable, adoptable, and investable solutions in one or more...

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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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