Reacting to the proposals for new reciprocal tariffs outlined by the US Government, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “These new proposals for reciprocal and differential tariffs will create more cost and uncertainty for investors, businesses and consumers across the world. “Plans to factor in countries’ VAT regimes...
Read moreThe second phase of a £30m investment to protect and enhance the water supply to more than 300,000 people across Essex has started. Essex & Suffolk Water is upgrading its Layer Water Treatment Works (WTW) in Layer de la Haye, to ensure a resilient supply of clean, clear and...
Read moreResponding to the latest ONS data on trade, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The final trade data for 2024 shows the UK’s export performance is continuing to operate at two different speeds. “Exports of services remain robust and are generating solid growth across European...
Read moreResponding to the latest GDP data released by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Confirmation that the economy grew slightly in Q4 is a small bit of relief for businesses in challenging times. However, regardless of the headline data, it’s...
Read moreDrivers in Essex will see faster journeys, as the Government gives £15m for A127/A130 Fairglen Interchange upgrades. As well as shorter car journeys, the upgrades will see improved safety, with the road currently seeing a higher than average number of collisions due to incorrect lane use. The scheme will...
Read moreNew research by the BCC’s Insights Unit has uncovered the extent to which firms are worried about the impact of US tariffs on their operations. The survey of more than 1,200 firms, of which over 260 were manufacturing exporters, was carried out between Monday 20 January and Friday 7...
Read moreShorter and flexible apprenticeships and new English and maths requirements to boost skills and support employers. Up to 10,000 more apprentices will be able to qualify per year as the government cuts red tape to boost economic growth by giving employers more flexibility over maths and English requirements. Rules...
Read moreThe BCC is urging Government to help firms grow as it considers its future spending plans. The business group’s submission to His Majesty’s Treasury for the Comprehensive Spending Review contains 49 recommendations on ways to grow the economy that the Government should support. The top asks include: Get Britain...
Read moreReacting to the latest interest rate decision, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Given the raft of cost pressures and global economic uncertainties businesses are facing, today’s interest rate cut provides a measure of relief for SMEs. “Since the Autumn Budget our research...
Read moreIn her speech on economic growth on 29 January the Chancellor signalled the government’s commitment to delivering a new Lower Thames Crossing. In response, Denise Rossiter, CEO of the Essex Chambers said: “We warmly welcome the latest step on the long road towards delivering a new river crossing to...
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