Business Welcomes Youth Guarantee Ambition

29th September 2025

Reacting to the Chancellor’s plans for a Youth Guarantee, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “Business will welcome the Chancellor’s ambition to get more young people into work. The BCC has been calling for this as a matter of urgency. “A well delivered Youth Guarantee can help...

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Long-term Sickness Blighting UK Economy 

25th September 2025

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) says the UK must tackle its status as the sick man of the G7 if it wants to grow the economy.  Businesses want to see a major shake-up of the UK’s approach to ill-health which is excluding people from work and hobbling the...

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Turning Point As More SMEs Unlock AI

23rd September 2025

Over a third of SMEs (35%) say they are actively using AI technology, up from 25% in 2024 – according to research by the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with Intuit, the global financial technology platform.   The research, featured in a new report, also shows appetite for more...

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Sticky Inflation Keeps Rates on Hold

18th September 2025

Responding to the latest interest rate decision by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s decision to hold interest rates at 4% was widely expected, especially after yesterday’s figures confirmed that inflation remains stubbornly high. “A further hold aligns...

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New Non-Executive Director Appointed To BCC Board

18th September 2025

The BCC is pleased to announce that Michael Hayman MBE DL, has been appointed to its board as an independent member.  Michael, who is currently the UK Chair for strategic communications consultancy Bully Pulpit International, was chosen after an extensive selection process carried out by the Nominations Committee.  He...

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Huge AI Potential To Boost Global Trade  

17th September 2025

Reacting to the WTO’s publication of its World Trade Report for 2025, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said:  “This report is a call to action for business and policymakers worldwide to ensure we realise the full benefits of AI in boosting global trade, productivity and skills.   “It...

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Inflation Heaping More Pressure On Firms

17th September 2025

Reacting to the latest inflation data published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:   “Businesses will be worried by inflation holding at 3.8% at a time when cost pressures continue to bite, especially on wages. The BCC’s latest economic forecast expects...

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Cost Pressures Continue to Hit Labour Market

16th September 2025

Responding to the latest labour market data published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The ongoing impact of business cost pressures, most notably from the national insurance hike, continues to hit the labour market. “Unemployment remains...

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UK Trade Rebounds In July 

12th September 2025

Commenting on the latest ONS trade data, BCC Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, said:  “The first month of reduced automotive tariffs has had a positive effect on US exports alongside more certainty on the outlook for other manufactured goods sectors. “But far more work is needed on US...

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Subdued Summer as Business Costs Hit

12th September 2025

Responding to the latest GDP data published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s data shows the UK economy had a subdued summer, with limited growth in the three months to July, and 0% in the month alone. “The...

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