Furlough – Prolonging the Inevitable?
22nd May 2020
It goes without saying that the coronavirus pandemic is having a brutal, frankly harrowing, impact on labour markets across developed markets. Having been close to full employment at the beginning of the year, we are now in the midst of
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BCC says three-month extension of ban on commercial evictions is good news for businesses
11th March 2021
Commenting on the announcement of the extension, Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC, said: “Businesses would welcome the additional flexibility and pragmatism that an extension to the eviction ban brings in helping to weather this period of tightened restrictions. “We
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BCC responds to ONS’ September labour market figures
15th September 2020
Commenting on the ONS labour market figures for September 2020, published today, BCC Head of Economics Suren Thiru said: “Despite the slight rise in the unemployment rate, the furlough scheme continues to limit the pandemic’s full impact on headline job
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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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Surrey Chambers of Commerce Reaction to the Budget: Measures Unlikely to Shift Dial on Business Investment
17th March 2023
The Chancellor has acted to address the unfilled jobs which are holding back our economy and it is particularly good to see the help on childcare and for over 50s workers, which will encourage people back into the workforce.
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BCC and Indeed: Immigration proposals could exacerbate labour shortages
9th July 2019
Over half of UK businesses with staff from outside the UK would be negatively impacted by government proposals for the UK’s future immigration system, according to new research released today (Tuesday) by the British Chambers of Commerce and global
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Fun-Time Thursday kicks off five weeks of summertime fun in Guildford
27th July 2022
Schools out for summer, and the fun starts here in Guildford. Kicking off on Thursday 28th July, Experience Guildford will be hosting five weeks of free summertime fun every Thursday in the town centre, with a jam packed calendar of
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Government boost to rapid workplace testing
8th February 2021
New government drive to increase workplace testing in sectors open during lockdown, to detect coronavirus (COVID-19) in people who are not showing symptoms. Government departments tasked with ensuring targeted, rapid testing is set up in all key workplaces to ensure
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BCC responds to latest HMRC furlough statistics
28th January 2021
Commenting on the latest statistics from HMRC on usage of the government’s Job Retention Scheme up until 31 December 2020, BCC Co-Executive Director Hannah Essex said: “With the furlough scheme providing a lifeline to millions of employees across the economy,
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NatWest coronavirus support measures
9th July 2020
Our fee-free cash delivery service to vulnerable customers has seen nearly £2 million delivered to homes across the UK. We were the first bank to introduce this service and it has ensured that vulnerable and isolated customers have still had
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BCC comments on UK’s official departure from the EU
31st January 2020
As the UK marks its official departure from the European Union, and the start of an 11-month transition period, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “In our business communities, this historic moment will bring
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Squeezed Labour Market Harming Firms’ Ability to Invest and Grow
13th September 2022
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
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Smith & Williamson’s Guildford Office raises over £10,000 for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices in two-year partnership
18th September 2020
The Guildford office of Smith & Williamson, the financial and professional services firm, has announced it has raised over £10,000 for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices since partnering with the local charity in September 2018. Shooting Star Children’s Hospices supports
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BCC gives its initial response to March 2021 budget
3rd March 2021
Giving his reaction to the Chancellor’s budget, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, said: “There’s much to welcome in this Budget for business communities across the UK. The Chancellor has listened and acted on our calls for immediate support to
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BCC responds to Coronavirus business support measures
19th March 2020
Responding to the package of government announcements to help businesses affected by Coronavirus, BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall said: “Businesses will welcome the scale of the Government’s latest response, as well as the specific support it is offering to
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Latest Updates From Surrey Chambers CEO – 21st April 2022
21st April 2022
Informing policy makers As part of the Accredited Chamber of Commerce Network, which is the leading voice of UK business, we are currently seeking views and feedback on a number of areas in order to inform the government of what
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New CIOB President says construction capable of great change and vows to increase focus on quality
25th June 2020
Mark Beard FCIOB, chairman of Beard Construction, has become the 117th President of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). His presidency starts as CIOB members and the wider construction industry are facing some of the greatest challenges in the Institute’s
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Safeguarding your company’s cash flow
15th April 2020
Greg Palfrey, partner, restructuring and recovery services at Smith and Williamson with an office in Guildford, discusses cash flow. We are now living in unprecedented times. However, we should not overlook the tried and tested ways of coming through unexpected
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BCC Continues Expansion With New Research Insights Unit
3rd July 2023
As part of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) expanded national offering, it is launching a new Insights Unit to provide businesses with best-in-class intelligence on the big strategic issues impacting the UK economy. Following on from the
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BCC Statement Following PM Resignation
20th October 2022
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
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