BCC Forecast: Brexit stockpiling to hit economic growth in coming years
17th June 2019
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today (Monday) released its latest economic forecast, upgrading its growth expectations for the UK in 2019 to 1.3% (from 1.2%). However, the leading business group has downgraded its growth forecast for 2020 to
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EPO Official Fee increase from 1 April 2024
28th February 2024
The European Patent Office (EPO) has once again decided that it will increase its official fees as of 1 April 2024. While some fees are staying the same, there are increases of around 4% for many common fees, and substantial
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A-Plan launches COVID-19 Community Heroes campaign
22nd April 2020
A-Plan launches COVID-19 Community Heroes campaign A-Plan Insurance has launched a local initiative to help celebrate the unsung heroes of our communities. From takeaways delivering curries to their local NHS staff, community volunteer groups helping people in isolation, individuals using
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BCC Director General Awarded CBE
25th June 2025
Shevaun Haviland, BCC Director General, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). She was awarded her CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for 2025 for services to business. Responding to the news of
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BCC Responds To Latest Ons Inflation Figures
17th November 2021
Commenting on the inflation statistics for October 2021, published today by the Office for National Statistics, Head of Economics at the BCC Suren Thiru, said: “The latest data confirms that inflation is on a significant upward trajectory. “October’s upturn was largely driven by rising household energy costs following the increase in Ofgem’s
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Weak GDP Growth Forecast For 2020 As Business Investment Falls
9th December 2019
UK economic growth in 2020 is forecast to slow to its weakest rate since the financial crisis as higher government spending struggles to offset falling business investment, weakening net trade and sluggish consumer spending. GDP growth is forecast to
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Latest key Government Covid-19 updates
23rd July 2020
Latest key Government Covid-19 updates Latest news on lifting restrictions from businesses in England In England, from 1 August, if prevalence remains around or below current levels, and COVID-19 Secure guidelines are followed, the UK government will: • Give
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BCC comments on ONS Q4 2019 GDP statistics
11th February 2020
Commenting on GDP statistics for Q4 2019, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “The UK economy lost momentum in the final quarter of 2019 due to weaker figures
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Air filters and opening windows can reduce classroom pollution by up to 36% – Surrey study
14th March 2024
To improve air quality in classrooms, schools should use air purifiers during the school day and open the windows after hours. That’s according to a new study from the University of Surrey. In England, 7,800 schools are in locations where
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British Chambers of Commerce response to Conservative Party manifesto
25th November 2019
In his initial response to the publication of the Conservative Party manifesto, BCC Director General, Dr Adam Marshall said: “While the Conservative manifesto strikes some of the right notes, business communities across the UK will be looking to see
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New School Play Puts Epilepsy Centre Stage
24th May 2021
South Western Railway and the Guildford Shakespeare Company have teamed up to raise awareness of epilepsy with a new school play, ‘The Purple Princess’ • The production aims to educate children on what to do if they see someone having
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Forest Bathing goes for gold at RHS Chelsea
3rd June 2024
Last week marked the highlight of the gardening calendar when the best in class gathered to showcase their inspiring garden landscapes and designs. Thanks to funding by the grant-making charity Project Giving Back, Muscular Dystrophy UK were at the RHS
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Quarterly Recruitment Outlook: No Sign of Hiring Difficulties Easing
26th April 2023
80% of businesses surveyed (92% of whom are SMEs) attempting to recruit have faced challenges, with hospitality and manufacturing firms still the most likely to report difficulties Almost six in ten (59%) businesses are actively trying to recruit
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2025 everywoman Entrepreneur Awards: open for nominations
9th June 2025
Now in their 23rd year, the Awards are free to enter, and seek to identify and celebrate the inspirational female founders whose vision, passion, and resilience will play a key role in ensuring the future of the British economy. Whether you’re
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Smith & Williamson joins Pension Protection Fund advisory panel
2nd June 2020
Smith & Williamson, the financial and professional services group which has an office in Guildford, has been selected to join the Pension Protection Fund’s newly established Trustee and Support Services panel which will provide restructuring advisory services to pension schemes
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Finch expands its footprint in the South with the purchase of Headley Group
19th January 2021
Despite the turbulent market, insurance broker Finch has announced its purchase of independent; Headley Group, which includes Chambers member Robinson Buckley. This marks Finch’s 12th acquisition as part of Ethos Broking and its first for 2021. Headley Group was founded in
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A majority of UK manufacturing exporters are reporting a stark worsening in sales and orders, with indicators showing a substantial drop compared to 2017 and 2018 levels.
21st November 2019
The Quarterly International Trade Outlook for Q3 2019, released by British Chambers of Commerce and DHL today, reveals that indicators for exporting manufacturers in Q3 2019 have undergone large declines, with several key indicators for orders and cashflow now in
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Lightwater in Surrey Female Entrepreneur Recognised For Success
12th January 2021
Local entrepreneur recognised for making a powerful contribution to society, the economy and communities 11th JANUARY 2021: Jarmila Yu from Lightwater in Surrey Heath has been named as one of the UK’s most 100 inspirational female entrepreneurs by Small Business
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Latest Updates From Surrey Chambers CEO – 27th February
2nd March 2023
We have been busy working with our Chamber colleagues across the country to come up with a wish list, which we have presented to the government so that they can relieve cost and recruitment pressures on businesses. It follows
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Tax measures to help individuals cope with the financial impact of COVID-19
27th April 2020
ax partners at the Guildford office of Smith & Williamson, the professional and financial services group, discuss measures announced by the government to help individuals cope with the financial impact of COVID-19. Though the primary concern may be public health,
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