Business Wary As New Employment Rights Become Law

18th December 2025

Reacting to news that the Employment Rights Bill has received Royal Assent, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: “It has already been a long journey for the Employment Rights Bill to become law, but we still have a considerable distance to go on this odyssey. “Royal...

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Business Welcomes Erasmus+ Announcement

17th December 2025

Reacting to news of the UK rejoining Erasmus+, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Businesses will be enthusiastic about the UK’s re-entry to the Erasmus+ programme from 2027. This will allow them to maximise its full benefits for training, apprenticeships, skills, further and higher education,...

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Business Cheered By Further Fall In Inflation

17th December 2025

Reacting to the latest ONS inflation data published this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said:   “Businesses will be cheered by the larger than expected slowing of inflation in November to 3.2%, suggesting it is now past its peak. “With unemployment on the rise and wage...

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Gloomy Picture for Jobs and Opportunities

16th December 2025

Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS published this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The latest data paints a gloomy picture for jobs, opportunities and growth. It reflects what businesses tell us – they are less...

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c2c welcomes the return of 12-car trains and more seats for passengers at Basildon station

15th December 2025

Local rail operator c2c Railway Limited has announced the return of 12 and 10-car trains to platform 2 at Basildon station following an intensive programme to stabilise and replace a section of the embankment and platform. c2c has welcomed the return of 12 and 10-car trains to platform 2...

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Water supply investment takes shape in Essex

15th December 2025

The latest phase of a £30m investment in water supply and improving the quality of drinking water for people in Essex is taking shape. Essex & Suffolk water is carrying out upgrades at Layer Water Treatment Works (WTW) that will ensure a resilient supply of clean, clear and great...

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New EU Customs Duties To Hit Small Businesses

15th December 2025

Reacting to the EU’s decision today on de minimis exemptions and new customs duties from 1 July 2026, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said:  “The decision to charge a flat customs duty of €3 on each commodity code for consignments worth less than €150 entering the EU will...

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Services Trade Flat As Goods Exports Rebound

12th December 2025

Reacting to the latest trade data for October from the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Services export growth has been sluggish for several months and this trajectory continued in October. On goods, the rollercoaster ride of 2025 has continued with...

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Brilliant Breakfast and Relationship Building at Braxted Park Estate

11th December 2025

It was a pleasure to close our 2025 physical events programme at the stunning Braxted Park Estate. Attendees joined us bright and early to celebrate the successes of the past year and look ahead to the opportunities a new one will bring. Nestled in the heart of the Essex...

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North Sea Plan ‘Doomed To Fail’ Without Tax Change

11th December 2025

The BCC has reacted to the Government’s recently released North Sea Future Plan. It commented after accompanying Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce to HM Treasury to hand in a letter signed by 7,000 businesses and workers calling for the windfall tax to be axed. Ben Martin, Policy Manager...

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