Local Support, International Reach
The UK has a new Prime Minister who has promised to revive the nation’s economic fortunes. But he follows a succession of PMs who have pledged the same without ever managing to consistently deliver. At the BCC, we think about little else than helping businesses and our economy thrive....
Read moreGovernment backs industry to create new British jobs and support local communities with new weighting in public contracts. Businesses bidding for government contracts – a market worth £90bn per year – will be judged on their commitment to creating high-quality British jobs, tackling local skills shortages, and supporting young...
Read moreResponding to No10’s plans to hand Mayors a greater share of locally generated tax revenue, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Putting more decision-making closer to local economies can help unlock growth. But it must be focused on the practical barriers businesses face...
Read moreResponding to the Bank of England interest rate decision to hold, David Bharier, Deputy Director of Economics and Insight at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Renewed escalation in the Middle East has compounded market volatility, and against that backdrop, the Bank’s decision to hold looks like the right...
Read moreResponding 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: “The latest ONS data shows a fragile economy weighed down by geopolitical tensions and domestic cost pressures. “With GDP growing by 0.7% in...
Read moreResponding to the Chancellor’s Mansion House speech, Kate Shoesmith, Policy Director at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “There were clear themes in tonight’s speech by the Chancellor that businesses will hope are carried on by Andy Burnham’s new administration. “Over the last two years, the Chancellor has supported...
Read moreThe future of skills in the county has taken a major step forward with the launch of the new Greater Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-2029. Essex is one of 39 areas targeted nationally for the mandated programme of work laid out by Government. Fronted by the Essex...
Read moreNew plans published on 10 July will make sure local training equips people with skills needed by local employers. A total of 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), covering the upcoming three years, have been unveiled across England. They provide detailed insight and analysis into what priority economic sectors...
Read moreResponding to measures announced by the Chancellor, Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said “It’s important to remember that the cost of living and the cost of business are two sides of the same coin. “While most of today’s statement was consumer focused, some...
Read moreResponding to today’s King’s Speech, Shevaun Haviland CBE, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Today’s King’s Speech had some positives for business with action to tackle late payments, simplify trade with the EU and strengthen apprenticeships. “These steps can make a real difference to cashflow and confidence...
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