UK Must Transform Archaic Infrastructure

10th March 2025

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling on the Government to tackle the problems of the UK’s worn-out infrastructure to fire up growth. Among the recommendations in a new report the BCC is calling for ministers to: The report has been produced by the BCC’s Local Economy of...

Read more

BCC Economic Forecast: Growth Downgraded as Firms Struggle to Invest and Export

06th March 2025

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Forecast (QEF) has revised down growth expectations for 2025, as firms deal with a raft of rising cost pressures. Business investment and exports are likely to suffer this year because of the impact of the National Insurance rise and global uncertainties....

Read more

Fresh Uncertainty On US Tariffs

05th March 2025

Reacting to the latest remarks by the US President on tariffs, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said:   “Businesses have been plunged into more uncertainty around the future of tariffs on UK goods after the President’s announcements last night. “The signals from the White House, last week, had...

Read more

Employment Rights Bill to boost productivity for British workers and grow the economy

05th March 2025

The Government table amendments to the Employment Rights Bill. On Tuesday 4 March the Government tabled amendments to the Employment Rights Bill following weeks of consultation and responses from business groups, trade unions and wider civil society. These amendments demonstrate the Government’s commitment to working in partnership with businesses...

Read more

Encouraging Signals On US Trade

28th February 2025

Reacting to remarks by the US President and UK Prime Minister on tariffs and trade deals, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said:  “The signals from the White House tonight would suggest this was a successful meeting from a UK trade perspective. “Businesses will be encouraged by the...

Read more

National Insurance Creating ‘Powder Keg’ of Costs

26th February 2025

The overwhelming majority of businesses say the rise in employer National Insurance contributions will force them to change their plans, according to new research by the BCC Insight’s Unit, in partnership with professional services firm AAB. With under six weeks until the NI rise comes in, 82% of firms...

Read more

Labour Market Update: Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners – February 2025

19th February 2025

Yesterday, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released the latest labour market data including insights on the unemployment rate, economic inactivity, vacancies, and pay growth. Recruitment experts, Pertemps, have produced a summary of the data for small businesses. Overall trends – February 2025 Market Overview: Between October and December...

Read more

Businesses Feeling the Strain of Inflationary Pressures

19th February 2025

Reacting to the latest inflation published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s data underlines the inflationary pressures in the economy right now and the real challenges businesses are facing. “Firms are having to deal with significant cost burdens...

Read more

BCC In Trade Reset Push With EU Ambassadors

19th February 2025

The BCC has met with Ambassadors from across the EU to make the case for a trade relations reset that benefits businesses on both sides. Director General, Shevaun Haviland, and Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, were hosted, this afternoon, at the German Embassy by Ambassador, Miguel Berger. They...

Read more

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...

Read more