Local Support, International Reach
Reacting to the publication of the UK Government’s Steel Strategy and its decision on new import quotas and tariffs from 1 July, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “The Steel Strategy provides businesses with a clear vision on the government’s aims for competitiveness and resilience...
Read moreReacting to the latest interest rate decision, by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The geopolitical kaleidoscope has been dramatically shaken since the Bank last met to set the interest rate. Today’s decision to hold rates at 3.75% was...
Read moreReacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With unemployment at 5.2% for the quarter, and expectations it will continue to rise, there are clear signs that pressure is growing on the labour market. Our latest forecast expects it...
Read moreMore than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption. Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI in 2025, up from...
Read moreReacting to today’s speech by the Chancellor at the Mais Lecture, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The three key priorities in the Chancellor’s speech will resonate with many businesses as they fight to get on the front foot. “Investing in our regional economies, promoting AI and...
Read moreThe board of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has unanimously elected Michael Hayman MBE DL as the new Chair of the organisation. Michael, who joined the BCC board in October last year, succeeds Sarah Howard MBE who has served as Chair for the last six and a half...
Read moreCommenting on the first trade data release of 2026 by the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Goods exports trade with the EU and the rest of the world, excluding the United States of America, showed solid growth...
Read moreReacting to the latest GDP data, published by the Office for National Statistics this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today’s data shows the UK economy remains stuck in a worrying low growth trap. “A three-month GDP average of just 0.2%, and no...
Read moreZero percent of surveyed UK exporters say they have “comprehensive support” from government to manage trade policy changes, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with global standards organisation GS1 UK. The BCC’s Insights Unit surveyed 939 firms – 40% exporters – with...
Read moreThe latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast suggests slow growth in 2026, higher inflation due to the Middle East crisis, and rising unemployment as the labour market softens. The BCC forecast is the first economic assessment by a business organisation since last week’s Spring Statement and renewed...
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