Commenting on the labour market figures for April 2018, published on 17 April by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The continued rise in employment, coupled with a further drop-in the unemployment rate, is further evidence that the UK jobs market remains in good shape, with firms continuing to recruit despite sluggish economic conditions.Â...

Commenting on the inflation statistics for March 2018, published on 18 April by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Inflation slowed again in March, confirming its downward trajectory. The largest downward pressure came from clothing and footwear prices which rose by less than a year ago. The latest figures also pr...

The Chief Executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Dale Edwards, has stepped down after two and a half years, with an interim CEO appointed by the Board of Directors as the search for a successor begins. Greg Saunders, Chair of Somerset Chamber, said, “It is with regret that the Board have accepted Dale’s resignation from his post of Chief Executive of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce. Dale...

Elizabeth Denham was appointed UK Information Commissioner in July 2016, having previously held the position of Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia, Canada and Assistant Privacy Commissioner of Canada. She has set out a commitment to increase consumer trust people have in what happens to their personal data. This forms the basis of her strategic plan, and has been demonstrat...

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...

The British Chambers of Commerce is pleased to announce that Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce has passed the accreditation process, to become the 53rd Accredited Chamber of Commerce in the UK.  The Chamber, led by Chief Executive Alison Henderson, successfully demonstrated that its approach to governance, resource management and service delivery met the challenging requirements of BCC Accred...

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...

Commenting on the increase in the National Living Wage (NLW), the British Chambers of Commerce said it was important to help low paid workers deal with the consequences of inflation without pricing people out of jobs. The BCC recommended a cautious approach to any future rises in the NLW to reflect the costs and pressures faced by employers and uncertainty in the economy. With firms facing mount...

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...

Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset addressed 50 business women from across the county at a Somerset Chamber networking event held on International Women’s Day (8 March 2018). Speaking at Somerset Chamber’s first Ladies Afternoon Tea event of the year, Mrs Anne Maw gave an insightful talk on the work she carries out on behalf of the Queen. This requires attendance at formal ceremonies a...

Commenting on the Spring Statement, delivered today (Tuesday) by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Businesses will be encouraged by the Chancellor’s report on the UK’s fiscal health, with lower projections for the deficit and falling national debt, as well as his full-throated defence of the market economy and ...

Addressing the BCC Annual Conference 2018 today (Thursday), Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, will remind the government that the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the UK business community, and country, are not related to exiting the EU, but to the fundamentals in the domestic environment. In his keynote speech to the Conference in the QEII centre...

Following the announcement from Ofgem today, Somerset Chamber of Commerce welcomes the formalisation of the backbilling process and the ban for periods over 12 months.  Previously a voluntary agreement by the major suppliers, the new guidelines now apply across all providers as well as ensuring that those who signed the voluntary agreement comply with the ban. Head of Chamber Services - Alistai...

On Friday 23 February Somerset Chamber of Commerce hosted a free GDPR workshop with Miles Phillips for charity members.  With 17 charity organisations within the membership it was a great opportunity for them to discuss the unique impact the new regulations will have on them as well as get some practical tips on how to prepare for the 25th May 2018. Marsha Miles who ran the workshop commented â...

Commenting on Jeremy Corbyn’s speech on the Labour Party’s position on Brexit and future UK-EU customs arrangements, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Jeremy Corbyn’s position on the customs union, like the Government’s, feels more political than practical for business. The priority must be to delve far more into the detail and negotiat...