Local Support, International Reach
Commenting 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 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 British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned that removing the UK’s tariff exemption for low value imports could risk pushing up prices, harming small businesses and reducing trade intensity. The government is considering the move after the US removed its ‘de minimis’ exemption. The EU has also said...
Read moreReacting to today’s unveiling of the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act which supports its Made in Europe agenda, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Businesses were apprehensive about the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act, as there were significant fears it would force the UK out of European...
Read moreThe British Chambers of Commerce has warned the UK could be sleepwalking into a legislative nightmare, which could upend the EU Reset, unless urgent action is taken. The EU is currently pursuing a Made In Europe agenda which aims to protect its industries from unfair international competition due to...
Read moreA pioneering new project by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with NatWest and the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, is aiming to scale up UK exports. The 6-month pilot programme, the Singapore Life Sciences Trade Accelerator, will connect UK firms in the sector with the...
Read moreReacting to the latest trade data from the Office for National Statistics, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said: “Looking at the whole of 2025, the gap appears to be widening in the UK’s two-tier export economy. On the plus side, there is robust growth in services as they...
Read moreUK banks agree £11 billion lending packages to support small business growth, particularly for small and mid-sized enterprises. UK businesses to benefit from a landmark £11 billion lending package to help them invest and expand abroad, to grow their businesses and the economy. The lending commitment, from the UK’s five leading banks, is one of the largest collective moves by the banking sector in over a decade, representing an historic show of confidence...
Read moreResponding to news that the US plans to introduce fresh 10% tariffs on UK goods, from next month, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “New tariffs on goods exported to the US will be more bad news for UK exporters, already struggling...
Read moreThe All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for International Trade and Investment is inviting businesses to contribute to their ‘Trade Triangle’ Inquiry. This inquiry examines how the Government’s three flagship trade strategies released over the summer – the Modern Industrial Strategy, the Small Business Plan, and the Trade Strategy – will...
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