Policy & Lobbying

The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) Insight Unit’s latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO) reveals hiring intentions have dropped to their lowest levels since the depths of the pandemic. The proportion of firms attempting to recruit new workers falls to lowest level in three years at 56%. There are significant sectoral differences with transport (73%), hospitality (70%) and construction (67%) [...]

Reacting to news of the launch of the Government’s Industrial Strategy, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "An industrial strategy is a key plank of the UK’s growth agenda; it is vital in securing the long-term stability that businesses need to plan ahead and invest. “But it must deliver on that promise, and it [...]

Responding to the unveiling of the Government’s legislation on employment reform, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “This is the biggest shake up of employment law in decades. These are huge changes and businesses must be engaged and supported on them every step of the way. “If the right balance is [...]

Responding to the unveiling of the Government’s legislation on employment reform, Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “This is the biggest shake up of employment law in decades. These are huge changes and businesses must be engaged and supported on them every step of the way. “If the right balance is [...]

In the first major survey of business sentiment since the General Election, the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and longest running independent business survey – shows taxation is now the main area of concern for businesses. Following improvements to business conditions in the first half of 2024, key indicators stalled or declined in [...]

In the first major survey of business sentiment since the General Election, the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and longest running independent business survey – shows taxation is now the main area of concern for businesses. Following improvements to business conditions in the first half of 2024, key indicators stalled or declined in [...]

BCC Reacts To Prime Minister's Conference Speech Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Prime Minister rightly set out the importance of stabilising and growing the economy during his speech. Businesses stand ready to work in partnership with Government to reach those goals. “Firms also wanted to hear an upbeat plan for the future, so [...]

BCC Reacts To Prime Minister's Conference Speech Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Prime Minister rightly set out the importance of stabilising and growing the economy during his speech. Businesses stand ready to work in partnership with Government to reach those goals. “Firms also wanted to hear an upbeat plan for the future, so [...]

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Forecast (QEF) has upgraded growth expectations for 2024 following an improved picture so far this year. The forecast for 2025 remains unchanged, with a minor upward revision for 2026. UK Economic Outlook The QEF, winner of the 2024 FocusEconomics award for best GDP forecast, expects the UK economy to grow by 1.1% [...]

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is calling for an independent taskforce to urgently examine energy transition in the North Sea and safeguard tens of thousands of UK jobs. It comes after a new BCC report published today, found a careful balancing act will be needed to reach Net Zero and protect the huge oil and gas sector workforce, [...]