Commenting on the labour market figures for April 2019, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:                                    “The strong increase in employment, coupled with another fall in the number of people out of work, suggests that the UK labour market remains in good order. “However, behind t...

The British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) quarterly economic survey – the largest private sector survey of business sentiment and leading indicator of UK GDP growth – found that key indicators of UK economic health weakened considerably in the first quarter of 2019.  Key findings included: The balance of services firms reporting a rise in export sales was at its lowest level in a deca...

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Monday) slightly downgraded its growth expectations for the UK economy, forecasting growth of just 1.2% in 2019 (down from 1.3%), which if realised would be the weakest growth in a decade. The BCC has also downgraded its growth forecast for 2020 to 1.3% (down from 1.5%) and published its first forecast for 2021 of 1.4% growth.  A weaker outlook f...

Commenting on the Spring Statement, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The Chancellor is right to warn of the risks that a messy and disorderly exit on March 29th would pose for the economy. Westminster must heed the fact that businesses and government agencies are simply not ready for such an abrupt change, and Parliament must take concrete act...

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: “Although there was an increase in GDP growth between December and January, the data for the longer three-month period recorded an economy that was continuing to slow under the weight of uncertainty over Brexit and weakening global tra...

“While this a giant political leap for the Prime Minister, this is only a small step towards the clarity and precision that businesses need to chart their future direction. “The overriding priority is still to assure businesses and communities that an unwanted ‘no deal’ scenario will not happen by default on March 29th. “Businesses still need to ensure they are preparing for all possib...

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today published a list of twenty critical questions that remain unanswered for business in the unwelcome event of the UK leaving the EU without a deal on March 2019.  With less than 50 days to go until the UK is scheduled to leave the EU, the publication highlights the many key issues that are still unclear for businesses in a ‘no deal’ scenario on ...

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 November 2018, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:   “The slight increase in the unemployment rate suggests that the UK jobs market may be starting to falter under the weight of persistent Brexit uncertainty and chronic skills shortages. While the number of people in work rem...

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (Thursday) publishes its Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and most authoritative private-sector business survey. Based on the responses of over 7,100 businesses, the survey shows that UK economic growth remained subdued in the first quarter of 2018, despite a strong export performance.In the service sector, a key driver of the UK ec...

Commenting on the Apprenticeship Levy statistics, published today by the Department for Education, Jane Gratton, Head of Business Environment and Skills Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “With our research showing three quarters of businesses facing skills shortages, it is vital that employers can recruit young people into the business and upskill workers at every level of...

This Tuesday, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) launched its campaign for ‘No More Not Spots’, with the aim of ending not spots for voice coverage where UK phone users live, work, travel and play. The UK’s leading business group is launching a campaign that will bring together business communities and those involved in delivering coverage to identify coverage challenges and work throu...

Commenting on the Bank of England inflation report and interest rate decision published on ‘Super Thursday’, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The Bank of England’s latest forecasts point to a mild improvement in the central bank’s outlook for the UK economy, with upgrades to its UK growth forecasts, compared to their November report. “T...

As Cabinet ministers gather today to discuss the government’s negotiating stance ahead of critical talks on the UK’s future relationship with the European Union, Francis Martin, President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Adam Marshall, the BCC’s Director General, write an open letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, making an urgent appeal for clarity on the government’s objecti...