Procurement Act Must Quickly Deliver for SMEs 

12th May 2025

Only a fifth (20%) of procurement spend from the wider public sector, including central government, went to SMEs in 2024. That’s according to the latest report by the British Chambers of Commerce and data provider Tussell, in partnership with technology firm AutogenAI. The BCC’s SME Procurement Tracker powered by...

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Greater Anglia to be nationalised from October

09th May 2025

The Department for Transport has confirmed that Greater Anglia – the UK’s most punctual train operator and the current Train Operator of the Year – is set to be nationalised on 12th October 2025. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition to public ownership and have both the...

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US Trade Deal Provides Welcome Relief 

09th May 2025

Reacting to news of a trade deal in principle with the US, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:  “This deal will be met with a huge sigh of relief by many British businesses.  “The reduction in the 25% tariffs on most of our automotive exports and the...

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Rate Cut Provides Shock Absorber for Business 

08th May 2025

Responding to the Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates to 4.25%, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s interest rate cut to 4.25% will help absorb some of the shocks that businesses are facing on multiple fronts. Our research has been...

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BCC President Martha Lane Fox: UK Must Commit To Free Trade

07th May 2025

President of the BCC, Martha Lane Fox, will use a speech at Mansion House to urge the government to commit to free trade and to pursue an improved EU deal. She will make the plea at the Mansion House Business and Trade Dinner on the evening of Wednesday May...

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UK-India Trade Agreement – A Big Deal For Business

06th May 2025

Reacting to news of an agreement in principle for a free trade deal between the UK and India, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said:   “A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the UK and India is a huge boost to our economies and a welcome lift for our exporters....

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Domestic Market and Online Offer Hope To Businesses

06th May 2025

Around a third (35%) of businesses expect to grow this year, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Royal Mail. The results show hope for growth lies largely in the domestic market, with online expected to drive sales. Over the next 12 months,...

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Networking with a Giant of Global Logistics

02nd May 2025

As the only accredited Chambers of Commerce in Essex, we are incredibly proud of the business community we have built. Our role goes beyond support – we create exclusive opportunities to spotlight outstanding organisations through our engaging events. A prime example of this was the recent networking tour we...

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Stumbling Blocks Remain In Employment Rights Bill

29th April 2025

Ahead of the committee stage of the Employment Rights Bill starting in the House of Lords, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said:  “This is a critical stage in the process and the window of opportunity to get the right balance in...

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Sales, Stress, and Support: Launching a Safe Space for Professionals

28th April 2025

April is Stress Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to launch our new series of networking events aimed at highlighting the pressures faced by sales professionals. Our first event was held at our Colchester base in the Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway. We were delighted to welcome so many...

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