Strong Month For UK Goods Trade

15th August 2024

Responding to the latest trade figures published by the ONS, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “June was a strong month for UK trade, with goods exports to the EU experiencing a double-digit rise. Services growth was steady for the month, and...

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Positive Picture on Growth Continues  

15th August 2024

Responding to the latest GDP figures published by the ONS, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The UK economy got off to a good start this year, and the provisional data for Q2 shows that positive story is continuing. It’s clear that a strong...

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Inflation Ticks Up But Remains Close to Target 

14th August 2024

Reacting to the latest ONS data on inflation, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses will be pleased to see that inflation remains close to target, despite a small rise in the CPI rate last month. “An increase was expected, with our own forecast...

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Labour Market Tensions Remain

13th August 2024

Responding to the latest ONS labour market data, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:   “The labour market is continuing to give mixed signals as the number of vacancies declines for the 25th time alongside persistently high levels of economic inactivity and...

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Government Contracts Still Out of Reach for Many SMEs

08th August 2024

Only 20% of direct procurement spend from the wider public sector (including central government) went to SMEs in 2023, according to the latest report by the British Chambers of Commerce and data provider Tussell. The BCC’s SME Procurement Tracker powered by Tussell – now in its second year –...

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Bleak Trade Picture For Most SME Exporters

06th August 2024

• BCC’s Trade Confidence Outlook for Q2 2024 shows most SME exporters overseas sales are flatlining.• More than half of all SME exporters (52%) saw no change in overseas sales, and 21% reported a decrease.   • Just over a quarter of exporting SME firms (27%) saw their overseas sales rise...

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Rate Cut Could Give Firms Welcome Breathing Space 

01st August 2024

Responding to the Bank of England’s decision to cut the interest rate, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  “Today’s decision by the Bank to cut the interest rate gives many smaller firms welcome breathing space and could trigger an increase in investment as...

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Planning Framework Must Be A Catalyst For Growth 

30th July 2024

Responding to the publication of the National Planning Policy Framework, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said: “This framework has the potential to unlock the planning system in England and boost economic growth, but the proof of success will inevitably be judged in its delivery...

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Businesses Eager For Clarity 

30th July 2024

Responding to today’s statement by the Chancellor, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  “If businesses succeed, our communities prosper, the economy grows, and the wealth needed to support our public services is created. “Companies know that efficient management of public finances and services is...

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New Digital Trade Deal A Big Win

26th July 2024

Reacting to the UK joining the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) E-commerce initiative, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “This deal between the UK and 90 of its global trading partners is good news for business. We are expecting global trade to show good growth this...

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