New US Tariff Proposals Would Hit UK Economy

14th February 2025

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...

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Goods Exports Underperform in 2024

13th February 2025

Responding 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...

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Economy Grows but Chill of Uncertainty Remains

13th February 2025

Responding 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...

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Cool Heads Needed As Manufacturing Exporters Fear Tariff Impact

12th February 2025

New 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...

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Business Key To Government Spending Plans

11th February 2025

The 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...

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Rate Cut Eases Some Pressure Points 

06th February 2025

Reacting 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...

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Firms Face Increasing Cyber Security Risk

05th February 2025

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is warning that businesses face increased cyber security risks without stronger engagement with government. Among the recommendations in a new report, the BCC is calling for ministers to: The report has been produced by the BCC’s Digital Revolution Challenge Group, drawing on expertise...

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EU Reset Must Drive Growth

31st January 2025

On the fifth anniversary of Brexit, the BCC is calling on the Government to use its planned EU reset to achieve concrete change and help drive UK economic growth. Research by the BCC’s Insight Unit has shown that SME exporters have faced an uphill struggle to sell goods and...

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BCC Welcomes Push For Growth

29th January 2025

Responding to the Chancellor’s speech in Oxford this morning, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The Chancellor has laid down a clear marker on her intent to push for growth and these proposals can light the blue touchpaper to fire up the UK economy. “Expanding our international...

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Trade Strategy Must Deliver In A Changed World

24th January 2025

The British Chambers of Commerce has submitted ambitious plans for the Government’s trade strategy as this new data shows UK SME exporters continue to toil. SME exporters are also facing an inflation crunch, as 56% expect their prices to rise, while 43% expect no change, and only 3% expect...

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