UK Economy Continues to Tread Water

16th January 2025

Reacting to the latest GDP data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With no growth in the three months to November 2024, and a very limited uptick for the month itself, it’s clear that the UK economy continues to be stuck...

Read more

Inflation Dips but Price Pressures on Business Remain

15th January 2025

Reacting to the latest inflation data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s slight dip in the inflation rate is welcome but it’s not a game-changer. Underlying price pressures within the economy are clear following the Budget. The path ahead on...

Read more

Taskforce Meets to Shape North Sea’s Energy Future 

14th January 2025

An independent taskforce has met for the first time to ensure the North Sea’s strategic transition from oil and gas to a renewable future, while safeguarding up to 200,000 jobs. The North Sea Transition Taskforce brings together a diverse group of experts from industry, sustainability, supply chains, academia, and...

Read more

Workforce Growth Struggles as Budget Costs Loom

14th January 2025

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insight Unit’s latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO) reveals less than a quarter of firms increased their workforce in the final three months of 2024. The survey shows 24% of responding businesses said they had increased their staffing numbers over the last three months,...

Read more

Budget Tax Hike Bursts Business Confidence

06th January 2025

In the largest poll of business sentiment since October’s Budget, the BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey, shows concern about tax, including national insurance, has spiked. Following the Chancellor’s autumn statement, 63% of firms cited it as a worry (compared with 48% in Q3), the highest level on record. Concern about...

Read more

Brexit At Four: Trade Reset Must Deliver

23rd December 2024

A new survey by the BCC’s Insights Unit of 1,111 businesses (92% SMEs) shows the urgency for the Government to reset trade relations with the EU is increasing. The BCC report, assessing the fourth year of Brexit, identifies fresh challenges as regulations continue to diverge, creating further headaches for...

Read more

Rates Held Amid Growing Price Pressures

19th December 2024

Reacting to the latest interest rate decision, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With inflation ticking up and wage growth accelerating, it’s unsurprising the Bank of England is adopting a cautious approach by holding interest rates at 4.75%. “Our recent forecast suggests further cuts...

Read more

Inflation Jumps as Businesses Face Mounting Costs

18th December 2024

Reacting to the latest inflation data released this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “A slight ticking-up of the CPI to 2.6% shows that inflation remains a threat to the UK economy. The Bank of England is likely to remain cautious and...

Read more

Wage Pressure A Headache For Firms

17th December 2024

Reacting to the latest ONS Labour Market data published this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy said:  “News that wages have been rising faster will be a concern for businesses as they continue to grapple with the huge increase in employment costs announced in the autumn Budget. The...

Read more

RED-LETTER DAY AS ASIA-PACIFIC TRADE DEAL, CPTPP, STARTS

16th December 2024

Reacting to the UK formally joining the Comprehensive and Progressive agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) today, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:  “This is a red-letter day for our traders.  There are few multi-national trade agreements like the CPTPP. It connects us to a fast-growing region...

Read more