News

  This week has been full of statistical data, bringing a rather sombre view of the economy. I will report on the data but with a caveat that local businesses have been doing everything they can to weather the inflation,

  Firms of all sizes are currently confronted by a host of challenges, from soaring energy bills, labour shortages, spiralling inflation, and climbing interest rates. Did you know that a smart meter could help your business this winter and beyond? A

  Local opportunity to influence skills solutions The Team creating the Local Skills Improvement Plan at Surrey Chambers is now making great strides, and we are delighted to introduce Rob Gibson, Project Manager, Hannah Nicholson, Business Connector and Annie Umair,

  Budget reaction The Chancellor stayed true to his word in focusing on financial stability and targeting support for the most vulnerable in society. But in the teeth of a recession, this statement has not increased business confidence. Businesses welcomed support with business rates, and retention of the employment allowance, although the reduction in the dividend allowance will impact many smaller firms.

  The hard work and achievements of local businesses was celebrated at the Spelthorne Business Awards held at the Holiday Inn, Shepperton on 17 November. Tracey Carter, Senior Economic Development Officer said, “I would like to thank our sponsors for

  Reacting to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, BCC Director General, Shevaun Haviland, said: “The Chancellor has stayed true to his word in focusing on financial stability and targeting support for the most vulnerable in society. But in the teeth of a recession, this statement will not increase business confidence. “Businesses will look at today’s announcements and welcome support with business rates, and

Surrey Chambers has signed up to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Business Manifesto, sent to the Prime Minister to get firms through the tough months ahead and prepare them for growth going forward. We hope that this will influence

Reacting to the ONS Trade data for September 2022, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:    “The effects of higher inflation and reduced consumer spending globally on UK trade are growing clearer as both imports and exports

Reacting to the first ONS estimates on GDP for Q3 2022, David Bharier, Head of Research at the BCC, said:    “Today’s figures, showing a 0.2% fall in the quarterly estimate for Q3 GDP, as well as a 0.6% fall in monthly

  With energy bills in the news, businesses of all sizes are keeping a close eye on how much they’re using day to day. We know that small business owners are working flat out to keep their business running and

Following weeks of chaos and uncertainty, we now congratulate Rishi Sunak as our new Prime Minister, who needs to return us to both political and economic stability. The new administration must immediately set out how they plan to deal with

Reacting to the announcement of the new Prime Minister, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “We would like to congratulate Rishi Sunak on his appointment as Prime Minister.    “The political and economic uncertainty

  Reacting to the PM’s resignation, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “Following weeks of chaos and uncertainty, the Prime Minister has resigned. Her resignation means the UK now faces even greater uncertainty, just as it stands on the cusp of a recession. “It is now vital the Conservative Party speedily comes to

  Great new President for the British Chambers of Commerce We are delighted that entrepreneur and business leader Baroness Martha Lane-Fox CBE has been elected the new President of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). As President, Baroness Lane-Fox will

Responding to the Prime Minister’s statement this afternoon, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:  “The Prime Minister was right to take some action now. We have been calling for the Government to urgently address market volatility, return stability

Energy explained Having announced support for businesses with their energy we have been finding out what this actually means. The new scheme is all about capping wholesale energy costs. Wholesale (commodity) electricity prices will be capped at 21.1p/kWh and gas

A few lights in our challenging business environment Following some early heads up there was some good news from the government on support for businesses, who have been receiving eye watering energy bills. The support package on offer is significant

Some relief on energy bills Some good news this week from the government on support for businesses, who have been receiving eye watering energy bills. The support package on offer is significant and will ease the cost pressures that have

Commenting on the Office for National Statistics inflation figures for August 2022,  Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Alex Veitch, said:   “This rise in Consumer Prices Index inflation by 9.9% confirms the sustained pressure businesses and consumers have been facing over

Commenting on the latest ONS Labour Market statistics released today, BCC Head of People Policy, Jane Gratton, said:  “With firms doing their best to keep afloat during a period of spiralling costs, they are also facing an extremely tight labour