Business Seek Action On Lost Generation

28th April 2025

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is warning of a lost generation unless the Government urgently tackles the jobs crisis among young people.  It says immediate action is needed to remove barriers preventing almost a million people in Generation Z from engaging with work, education and contributing to society....

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Level Playing Field For UK Trade Is Vital

24th April 2025

Responding to the Government’s proposals for the Trade Remedies Authority and changes to customs charges for low value imports, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:   “There are still many twists and turns to go in the trade war between the US and...

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Tariffs Loom Large As Growth Forecasts Cut

23rd April 2025

Responding to the latest IMF forecasts for the UK and Global economies, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  “The downgrades for both the UK and global economy should come as no surprise to anyone. Businesses are under no illusion that this year...

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​Essex Chambers Launches CBAM Consultancy Service and Free Health Check Tool to Support Exporters

22nd April 2025

As the global push for carbon neutrality intensifies, the European Union introduced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to ensure imported goods are subject to the same carbon pricing as those produced within the EU. In response, Essex Chambers of Commerce has launched a dedicated CBAM Consultancy Service and...

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Increased Export Volatility Ahead Of Tariffs

17th April 2025

The Trade Confidence Outlook, conducted by the BCC’s award-winning Insights Unit, is a survey of just over 1,800 UK SME exporters.      It shows the percentage of SME exporters reporting increased exports remained depressed ahead of the introduction of US tariffs. Overall, 21% of SME exporters reported an increase in...

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Businesses Fear Inflation ‘Calm Before The Storm’

16th April 2025

Responding to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “A small drop in the rate of inflation is always welcome. However, businesses fear it is the calm before the storm over the months ahead. “Today’s...

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Labour Market Pressures Bearing Down on Firms

15th April 2025

Responding to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The labour market continues to be a significant pressure bearing down on businesses of all sizes. “The rising cost of employment is a...

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UK Tariff Pause Will Help Business and Consumers 

15th April 2025

Responding to the news that the UK Global Tariff is being paused on dozens of products, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Tariffs are an additional cost burden that often have to be absorbed by firms or picked up by consumers and...

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Businesses Welcome UK Export Support Package Amid Global Uncertainty

13th April 2025

Responding to the announcements from the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary to support UK exporters, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: “The BCC called last week for enhanced credit and financial support through UK Export Finance and the British Business...

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Exports To US Rose Ahead Of Tariffs

11th April 2025

Responding to the latest ONS data on trade, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:  “There are clear signs that UK firms increased goods exports to the US ahead of the introduction of tariffs. Data for the past three months shows a 23% increase in the...

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