Policy & Lobbying

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling on the Government to tackle the problems of the UK’s worn-out infrastructure to fire up growth. Among the recommendations in a new report, published today, the BCC is calling for ministers to: Improve road and rail capacity and electrify key sections of the rail network Deliver regional transport projects and grid [...]

Tomorrow, on International Women’s Day, we take a moment to acknowledge and honour the strength, leadership, and resilience of women around the world. At the Chamber, we celebrate and honour the incredible contributions of all the women across our organisation. With five out of our eight leaders being women, we take pride in fostering an environment where female leadership [...]

Reacting to the latest inflation data, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The slight dip in the inflation rate is welcome but it’s not a game-changer. Underlying price pressures within the economy are clear following the Budget. The path ahead on interest rates this year is likely to remain slow and cautious. “As our [...]

Reacting to the latest GDP data released this morning, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “With no growth in the three months to November 2024, and a very limited uptick for the month itself, it's clear that the UK economy continues to be stuck in a worrying rut. “Our latest forecast expects GDP to [...]

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Insight Unit’s latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO) reveals less than a quarter of firms increased their workforce in the final three months of 2024. The proportion of firms increasing their workforce fell to less than a quarter (24%) from 27% in Q3 Of those attempting to recruit 79% of firms faced difficulties, up [...]

Responding to the Prime Minister’s Plan For Change, announced this morning, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “It was good to hear the Prime Minister double down on his commitment to grow the economy and highlight the importance of reforming the planning system. “The target of 150 new infrastructure projects is one that business [...]

A new independent taskforce has been launched to map out an orderly transition for the North Sea that will safeguard tens of thousands of jobs and help secure its long-term future as a critical national asset.  The North Sea Transition Taskforce will be led by Philip Rycroft, a former Permanent Secretary in the UK Government, who will pull together [...]

A new independent taskforce has been launched to map out an orderly transition for the North Sea that will safeguard tens of thousands of jobs and help secure its long-term future as a critical national asset.  The North Sea Transition Taskforce will be led by Philip Rycroft, a former Permanent Secretary in the UK Government, who will pull together [...]

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker JP, is delighted to announce the appointment of five new Deputy Lieutenants. They will join the existing team of Deputies who help and support the Lord-Lieutenant in her duties as His Majesty The King’s representative in the county of Lancashire. East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce CEO Professor Miranda [...]

Responding to the Chancellor's Autumn Budget, Shevaun Haviland, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  “This is a tough budget for business to swallow but the Chancellor has looked to ease the pain by holding out a promise of better days ahead. “While some protection for smaller firms is welcome, the increase in employer National Insurance Contributions [...]