The British Chambers of Commerce has published new research demonstrating some of the potential real-world consequences of the UK leaving the EU without a deal on the 31 October. A survey of over 1,500 companies by the leading business group - covering of all sizes and sectors of business, across the UK - found that in the event of a ‘no deal’ exit on 31st October, nearly a quarter of firms s...

A THIRD of Somerset businesses which have already responded to a Somerset Chamber of Commerce broadband survey experience daily drop-outs in their internet service. Buffering causes major problems for many, while almost a quarter of the respondents, so far, reported problems simply sending or receiving emails. Half of those who had completed the survey, to date, said their existing internet speed...

The economy is still weak and while a recession looks set to be avoided in this quarter, the outlook remains challenging, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said today. Commenting on the latest UK GDP statistics, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Suren said: “Although there was a rise in GDP between June and July, the zero-growth recorde...

New research from the British Chambers of Commerce shows a concerningly high number of UK firms aren’t ready for a no deal Brexit. Business has consistently called on government to avoid a messy and disorderly exit but in light of the political turmoil and relentless uncertainty, clearer and more consistent information is needed to help them prepare. The survey of over 1,500 firms from across t...

JUDGES in this year’s Somerset Business Awards are facing a particularly tough challenge after a record number of entries were received from companies, charities and individuals across the county. The number of entries was up by over 16 per cent compared to last year and comes after the original deadline was extended by two weeks to help businesses balance school holidays and Brexit pressures w...

Donna Kehoe, South West Agent of the Bank of England South West, will be giving Chamber members an update on the current economic situation at the annual Bank of England Update at Taunton Racecourse on Friday, 13 September. She will summarise the bank’s views on the prospects for the British economy over the next two to three years. There will also be the opportunity for guests to network over ...

The Hinkley Supply Chain Team, based within the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, is offering a unique opportunity to be part of one of the biggest construction projects in Europe and the first new nuclear power station to be built in the UK for over 20 years. The team is looking for an Apprentice Business Administrator who will play a pivotal role in the Hinkley Supply Chain Team, supporting suppli...

Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom has unveiled a £10 million grant scheme for business organisations and trade associations to support businesses in preparing for Brexit ahead of 31 October 2019. The Business Readiness Fund is open to business organisations and trade associations throughout the UK and will support events, training and the production of advice packs to assist businesses in making...

The Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Dr Adam Marshall, has warned the ongoing turbulence in Westminster is continuing to affect the health of the UK economy. Reacting to news that the Prime Minister Boris Johnson had asked the Queen to suspend Parliament ahead of a Queen’s Speech on 14 October, Dr Marshall said: “Businesses feel like Westminster is playing an endless game...

Commenting on the Government announcement on proposals to simplify planning rules to improve rural mobile coverage, Mike Spicer, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “We’ve been calling on the new government to prioritise the introduction of sympathetic reforms to the UK planning system to support the roll-out of 4G and 5G, so this announcement is a positive sign...

The Chamber network has successfully lobbied the Government to automatically issue all VAT-registered companies with an Economic Operator (EORI) number. In the event of a no-deal Brexit on 31 October all UK businesses will need an EORI number to import and export with customers in the European Union – but the onus was on each individual company to apply for one. It had been estimated that arou...

Somerset’s Chamber of Commerce’s Chief Executive Stephen Henagulph was invited to take a closer look at the latest piece in Bridgwater’s transport puzzle – the new Colley Lane Southern Access Road. The scheme is an example of Somerset County Council’s ongoing commitment to investing in and successfully delivering major infrastructure projects. Good infrastructure is vital for business a...

Golfers got into the swing of it to raise £4,225 for Somerset charity We Hear You at Somerset Chamber of Commerce’s annual Charity Golf Day, which this year was held at Enmore Park Golf Club near Bridgwater. Teams of four made the most of the summer sunshine to tackle the course before enjoying a two-course dinner, presentations, plus a charity raffle and auction, with prizes generously donate...

The UK economy contracted 0.2% between April and June, its worst performance since 2012, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics. Rob Kent-Smith, head of GDP at the ONS, said manufacturing output had fallen the construction sector had weakened and the Pound continue to slip in value. Commenting on the latest UK GDP statistics, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, ...

Many UK exporters are treading water at a time of deep uncertainty, according to the latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with DHL. The survey of 3,400 exporters found nearly two-thirds (63%) of manufacturers report exchange rates as a concern to their business, indicating the pressure from sterling volatility. The results refle...