Prime Minister Boris Johnson has outlined details for the final stage of lifting the remaining coronavirus restrictions in England. The Government is still anticipating all restrictions to finish on July 19, subject to a final review of the data next week. That will include an end to social distancing and no limits on social gatherings - indoors and outdoors - while facemasks will no longer be m...

Somerset Chamber of Commerce members are being invited to take part in a trio of international trade webinars, which are being organised by the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC).  BMCC has three webinars coming up this month which are relevant to companies in the UK who have interest to explore the Malaysian market.  All the webinars are complimentary for all UK Chamber members.  ...

Somerset Chamber Chief Executive, Stephen Henagulph, spoke to Simon Parkin on BBC Somerset to raise the profile of the grants available to businesses via their local authority. At the moment, nearly half of businesses have accessed the funds but the local authorities are keen to reach those who may not know they have money they can claim.

Results from the second BCC Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker reveal that most businesses have not yet successfully accessed the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the grants for small businesses.Just 1 per cent of firms had successfully accessed CBILS and 7 per cent are receiving grants 57 per cent of firms have three months cash in reserve or less,...

The people of the UK are making extraordinary efforts to limit the health impact of Covid-19. This crisis is very different from other economic shocks that the Bank has had to grapple with in the past. That means it’s very difficult to judge how big the disruption is going to be or how long it’s going to last. What is clear is that Covid-19 is already having a major impact on the UK economy. ...

Weston College celebrated the outstanding success of staff and key strategic partners in 2019 at the Governor’s Christmas Party last Thursday – including Stephen Henagulph, the Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce. The event was held in the Winter Gardens, and attended by over 300 people, including staff, governors, employers and local dignitaries.  Stephen was recognised for his...

One of Somerset Chamber's longest standing members has become a Businesses Partner. Local solicitors Clarke Willmott have been long term supporters of the Chamber and the Somerset Business Awards, sponsoring the popular Charity of The Year award for the last six years.   Chris Thorne, Partner and Head of Taunton office, said: “We are delighted to enter into a new partnership with the Some...

The winner of the iPad from the Somerset Chamber of Commerce broadband survey was presented with their prize today by sponsors Truespeed. James O’Sullivan, of O’Sullivans Chartered Accountants, completed the survey which aimed to highlight the demand for broadband across the region.  James noted that as an accountant he was increasingly reliant on a reliable and fast connection as more ser...

A FAMILIAR face will be returning to host the Somerset Business Awards this year – but at a new venue and with new categories, while the prestigious awards themselves have a completely new look, website and logo. Organised by the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, the annual awards, which are free for all Somerset businesses to enter, were officially launched at a reception for past winners and awar...

Somerset Chamber of Commerce have announced ambitious plans to open a second office in Somerset, offering further support to businesses across the county.  From their Taunton based HQ, CEO Stephen Henagulph today revealed that the Chamber have developed a Somerset North office covering Highbridge, Weston and the Mendip area of the county.  Stephen commented “Since joining the Chamber as CEO ...

Commenting on the latest update to existing trade agreements if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The lack of progress revealed today is an incredibly disappointing, though not unexpected admission. This is unfortunately yet another example where politicians have overpromised and underdelivered – and it...

Commenting on the labour market figures for February 2019, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The fall in unemployment and strong employment levels are further evidence that the UK jobs market remains resilient, with firms continuing to recruit despite an increasingly challenging economic backdrop. “With earnings growt...

The Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling MP, was in Taunton this afternoon (Friday) where he met with a group of regional business leaders including Stephen Henagulph, Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber CEO took the opportunity to question the Transport Secretary on behalf of the region’s businesses, highlighting the need for real investment in the South We...

The percentage of both manufacturing and services exporters who are expecting to increase their prices has risen in the past three months, as international traders struggle with the value of the pound and pressure from the cost of raw materials and other overheads, according to the latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with DHL. The rep...

Commenting on the latest UK GDP and trade statistics, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The latest data indicates that the UK economy suffered a significant loss of momentum in the final quarter of 2018, with Brexit uncertainty, a slowing global economy and the persistent financial squeeze on consumers and businesses inc...