US Tariffs To Hit UK Economy

03rd April 2025

Reacting to news of a 10% tariff on all UK exports to the US and higher tariffs for other countries, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The Government has kept a cool head so far and must continue to negotiate. This is a marathon not a sprint,...

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North Sea Taskforce Calls For Urgent Action 

31st March 2025

The Taskforce is an independent body, supported by the British Chambers of Commerce, which has brought together representatives from supply chain business, academia, environmental groups, and trade unions. It also undertook a range of interviews with other interested parties, including industry bodies, NGOs, supply chain organisations, Government agencies, current...

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Significant Concerns Remain over Employment Rights Bill

28th March 2025

Ahead of the second reading of the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords this afternoon, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “While the government has consulted with business, and listened to concerns, the legislation still does not strike the right...

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Fresh Upheaval As Car Tariffs Announced

27th March 2025

Reacting to the planned introduction of an extra 25 percent tariff on UK exports of cars and other automotives to the United States, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said:  “Businesses were already looking with trepidation towards next week’s planned reciprocal tariffs before this fresh upheaval was announced....

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Challenging Spring Outlook As Firms Struggle to Bloom

26th March 2025

Responding to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Today the Chancellor saw a small dip in inflation, however her statement was made against a backdrop of downgraded economic growth for 2025. It all paints a challenging spring landscape as businesses...

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Inflation Eases But Volatility Ahead

26th March 2025

Reacting to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s data showing the CPI rate slowed to 2.8% in February is good news, but it’s too early to be certain on the direction of...

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Spring Statement Must Offer Olive Branch To Business

25th March 2025

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Spring Statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Businesses are feeling battered and bruised by the heavy cost pressures looming within days. The Chancellor must use her Spring Statement to offer some respite. “From next week, firms face an unpalatable...

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BCC WELCOMES NEW ERA OF ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

20th March 2025

Reacting to a speech by the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, at the BCC’s Driving International Trade Conference, Director General, Shevaun Haviland, said: “The Foreign Secretary’s announcements on a closer working relationship with UK business will be music to their ears. “Quarterly meetings, trade roadshows, better intelligence sharing, and a...

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Bank Continues Along Monetary Policy Tightrope

20th March 2025

Reacting 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 widely expected interest rate hold highlights the tightrope the Bank is walking, in the face of mounting global uncertainty and rising cost pressures. “Our...

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Labour Pressures Continue for Businesses

20th March 2025

Reacting to the latest labour market data, published by the ONS this morning, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The labour market remains a significant challenge for employers who are struggling with skills shortages, higher wage costs and the imminent hike in...

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