The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast has upgraded growth expectations for 2025. But overall, the outlook remains subdued. The forecast shows: UK Economic Outlook The UK economy is expected to grow by 1.3% in 2025, revised up from the previous forecast of 1.1%. This upgrade reflects...
Read moreResponding to today’s speech by EU Relations Minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds – William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “A strong agri-food deal will remove costs, red tape and delays for UK businesses trading in food and plant products with the European Union. “Firms...
Read moreReacting to the latest inflation data published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The inflation warning lights continue to flash, with July’s rate being slightly higher than most analysts had forecast. Prices are now rising at the fastest rate...
Read moreResponding to the latest GDP data published by the ONS this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Better than expected data for both Q2 and the month of June are welcome – but the numbers mask the underlying pain being felt by businesses...
Read moreUK Exports To US Hit 3-Year Low Commenting on the latest ONS trade data, BCC Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, said: “Tariff effects are clearly being felt by companies exporting to the US. Total goods exports across the Atlantic for Q2 2025 were 13.5% lower than a year...
Read moreResponding 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: “With businesses feeling the heat from a raft of cost-pressures, a larger easing of average earnings, including bonuses, to 4.6% in...
Read moreResponding to the latest interest rate decision by the Bank of England, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses will welcome the decision to cut the base rate to 4%, marking a further move away from a prolonged period of elevated borrowing costs....
Read moreOver two fifths (41%) of businesses have increased their requirement for onsite working over the past year, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). While most of the firms (67%) who require onsite working say it hasn’t impacted recruitment or retention, one in ten relevant...
Read moreResponding to President Trump’s decision to charge import duties for low value goods entering the US, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy, said: “This development has been coming for several months but is still a major blow to UK exporters to the US. Smaller firms and sole traders, who...
Read moreResponding to the launch of the Government’s Small Business Plan, Alex Veitch, Director of Policy at the BCC, said: “This is a much-needed step forward in recognition and support for SMEs, which are the backbone of the UK economy. Late payments, access to finance and business support are all issues...
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