With continuing uncertainty following the overwhelming rejection by MPs of the Prime Minister’s proposed Withdrawal Agreement, Somerset Chamber of Commerce is organising a half-day Brexit panel discussion to give firms an opportunity to gain expert insight and advice to help them prepare for business post-Brexit. A panel of distinguished business leaders will discuss topics including trade, log...

Responding to the Parliamentary defeat of the Meaningful Vote on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “There are no more words to describe the frustration, impatience, and growing anger amongst business after two and a half years on a high-stakes political rollercoaster ride that shows no sign of...

Commenting on the GDP and trade statistics for November 2018, published by the ONS today, Mike Spicer, Director of Research and Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:  “Despite a small improvement in GDP growth between October and November, the underlying three-month measure showed an economy that was slowing after what had been a stronger performance in the previous quart...

Have you, or someone you know, inspired a young person about their future or helped them to prepare for employment? Then here is the opportunity to showcase your good practice. Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2019 will celebrate the best in careers inspiration and work-related learning in Somerset. With 10 award categories, entries are welcome from individuals and teams within edu...

The British Chambers of Commerce’s quarterly economic survey – the UK’s largest private sector survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth – finds that the UK economy ended 2018 stuck in a weak holding pattern, with stagnating levels of growth and business confidence as a result of heightened Brexit uncertainty and other economic pressures. Key findings:Per...

Issues around skills shortages and digital infrastructure rank highest for Somerset businesses, even above concerns over Brexit, according to the latest membership survey from Somerset Chamber of Commerce. More than half of the respondents to the Chamber’s annual membership survey said that issues around education and skills (56 per cent) and digital infrastructure (52 per cent) were a major co...

The UK’s five leading business groups, representing hundreds of thousands of businesses across the United Kingdom employing millions of people, today unite and call on politicians to prevent a disorderly ‘no-deal’ Brexit on 29th March.“Businesses have been watching in horror as politicians have focused on factional disputes rather than practical steps that business needs to move forwar...

Uncertainty over the UK’s future relationship with the EU is one of many factors that has weakened the outlook for business investment, according to the latest forecast by British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).  The UK’s leading business group forecast a decline of -0.6% for business investment this year following weaker than expected data. This is a sharp decline from the 1.0% growth previousl...

Over 20 members of Somerset Chamber of Commerce attended a round table discussion held in association with NatWest at Ashfords Solicitors on the morning of Friday 14th December. Stephen Henagulph opened the event, welcoming delegates and introducing the event as part of a national project via the BCC.  The event followed the Greater Manchester event on 11 December and proceeds the Surrey round...

Commenting on the news that the Prime Minister will face a vote of no confidence, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “At one of the most pivotal moments for the UK economy in decades, it is unacceptable that Westminster politicians have chosen to focus on themselves, rather than on the needs of the country. “The utter dismay amongst businesses...

Commenting on the labour market figures for December 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “While the latest data confirms that the UK jobs market remains in good shape, the second successive rise in unemployment, coupled with a decline in the number of people who are not seeking work, is further evidence of the i...

We are delighted to unveil Milsted Langdon, one of the South West’s leading independent accountancy practices, as headline sponsors of the Somerset Education Business Partnership Awards 2019. The awards, which open for entries on 7 January 2019 will celebrate  businesses and education providers across the county who inspire and equip young people for their future careers.  Joanna Whitehead, C...

Two new directors have been appointed to the Board of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, bringing additional commercial and business growth expertise to the organisation. Graeme Crosbie from Level Up (South West) and Suzanne Roper from Somerset County Cricket Club were voted in by members for an initial three year term at the Somerset Chamber AGM on 21 November.Graeme Crosbie is the owner and Mana...

On the morning of Wednesday 28th November Somerset Chamber and Frome Chamber of Commerce helped bring together some of the larger businesses in Frome with numerous representatives  from Mendip District Council and Frome Town Council to continue a conversation started last year.  The purpose of this event is to give businesses a platform for discussing the issues that concern them and the top...

Lord David Triesman was the guest speaker at this year’s Somerset Chamber of Commerce AGM, sharing insight and anecdotes from his varied career in business, politics and sport with around 60 of Somerset’s business people. Held at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton on Wednesday 21 November, the AGM is a popular event with Chamber members, providing an opportunity to celebrate the y...