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...
Read moreThe 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...
Read moreResponding to reports that the Chancellor is preparing to support expansion plans at three UK airports, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Expanding the UK’s airport capacity is vital to driving economic growth and it remains a top priority for business. “We wholeheartedly support...
Read moreToday, 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 – January 2025 Market Overview: Between September to November...
Read moreReacting 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 moreReacting 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 moreAn 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 moreThe 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 moreIn 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 moreResponding to the launch of Skills England, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the BCC, said: “The UK economy has a pervasive skills and productivity problem that stretches back long before the pandemic and Brexit. “Skills shortages ramp up pressure on firms, damaging their ability to operate profitably...
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