BCC Responds to New US Tariffs Plans

18th January 2026

Responding to news that the US plans to introduce fresh 10% tariffs on UK goods, from next month, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “New tariffs on goods exported to the US will be more bad news for UK exporters, already struggling...

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Calling SME exporters – Trade Triangle Inquiry

16th January 2026

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Trade and Investment is inviting businesses to contribute to their ‘Trade Triangle’ Inquiry. This inquiry examines how the Government’s three flagship trade strategies released over the summer – the Modern Industrial Strategy, the Small Business Plan, and the Trade Strategy – will...

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Growth Returns in Pre-Budget Period

15th January 2026

Responding to the latest GDP data, published by the Office for National Statistics this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Better than expected GDP data suggests the impact of pre-Budget jitters among businesses may have been less than predicted. Firms will welcome confirmation...

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Chambers Welcome Northern Powerhouse Rail Ambition

15th January 2026

Reacting to the announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “For far too long the North has been left to languish and missed out on the crucial investment in infrastructure needed to realise its economic potential. “If Northern Powerhouse Rail...

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Business Groups Sign Letter Supporting Government Commitment to NPR

14th January 2026

Seven of the UK’s major business groups have written an open letter to the government to support its commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR). The British Chambers of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry, Enterprise Nation, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors, Make UK and Small...

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Costs Pressures Hit Jobs Market Further

13th January 2026

Despite hiring problems easing, fewer firms are expecting to grow their workforce in early 2026, according to the latest data from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The BCC’s Quarterly Recruitment Outlook shows less than a quarter (23%) of surveyed businesses are planning to increase the size of their...

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More Clouds Gathering Over Business Confidence

05th January 2026

Confidence among firms has continued to weaken, with tax remaining the biggest concern, according to the UK’s largest business sentiment survey. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey also found more businesses now expect to raise prices in 2026. Less than half of responding firms (46%) are...

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Business investment boosted with new tax relief

02nd January 2026

Businesses to receive boost to investment as a new first-year allowance took effect on Thursday 1 January, as the government continues its drive to make Britain the best place to do business. First announced by the Chancellor at Budget 2025, the government is continuing to offer greater upfront tax...

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EU Trade Getting More Difficult

23rd December 2025

A new survey by the BCC’s Insights Unit of 989 businesses (96% SMEs) shows EU trade is becoming increasingly difficult, and this year’s reset needs to continue at real pace in 2026 to deliver vital deals for businesses. The BCC has used the data to create a business manifesto for the EU Reset...

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Rate Cut Christmas Cheer for Business

18th December 2025

Responding to the latest Bank of England interest rate decision, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s interest rate cut to 3.75%, is a much-needed Christmas gift for businesses across the UK. However, unwrapping growth remains a huge challenge. “With the economy flatlining, wage...

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