Most SMEs Still Struggling to Embrace AI
The majority of SMEs are still not using artificial intelligence, despite a growing acceptance by businesses that it will help boost productivity. The BCC research found overall, 43% of respondents had no plans to use AI at all, 25% said they were currently using a specific AI technology, while 8% were not sure if they […]
Jemma Harvey honoured with top award for work with Staffordshire Chambers’ International Trade team
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is proud to announce that Jemma Harvey, a key member of our International Trade Centre, has been awarded the prestigious Foundation Award in International Trade by Chamber Customs. Jemma’s achievement comes during what has been the busiest year on record for the International Trade Centre (ITC) and is testament to her […]
Record figures for Staffordshire Chambers’ International Trade Centre as exports smash £30 million mark
Staffordshire Chambers’ International Trade Centre is celebrating a record 12 months after facilitating the export of goods valued at over £30 million. It’s the busiest year on record for the International Trade Centre (ITC) that has helped Staffordshire businesses of all sectors and sizes to enter new international markets. And now ITC manager Allison Tomlinson […]
Introducing the new Department for Business and Trade governance
Introducing: the main decision-making, executive and managerial bodies at Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Find their roles and structure of the board and committees. Department for Business and Trade Board The Departmental Board is the principal governance body of DBT and is chaired by the Secretary of State. The Permanent Secretary is also a […]
British Business Bank launches Growth Guarantee Scheme
The Growth Guarantee Scheme, the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme, is designed to support access to finance for UK smaller businesses as they look to invest and grow and is expected to support around 11,000 smaller businesses between 1 July 2024 and 31 March 2026. The British Business Bank has so far accredited 41 […]
British public wants new government action on late payments
Xero, the global small business platform, today announced the findings of its ‘Settle Up’ report, which found 62% of UK consumers surveyed expect tackling late payments to be a priority for government. For decades, policymakers pledged to address the power big businesses hold over small firms, which last year cost small businesses an estimated £1.6 […]
Chancellor unveils a new era for economic growth
The Chancellor has promised on 8 July to take immediate action to fix the foundations of the economy, rebuild Britain and make every part of the country better off. In her first speech as Chancellor, Rachel Reeves pledged to leaders of some of the UK’s pioneering industries to build growth on strong and secure foundations […]
British Business Bank response to the National Wealth Fund
Louis Taylor CEO, British Business Bank said: “We welcome today’s announcement by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, that a new National Wealth Fund will be established to drive economic growth and unlock investment in the UK. Key institutions, including the British Business Bank and the UK Infrastructure Bank, will become aligned under the new National Wealth […]
BCC quarterly economic survey: business confidence continues to tick up in Q2
The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and longest-running independent business survey – shows measures of business confidence and business conditions slightly improved in Q2 2024. The survey was conducted between 13 May and 10 June of nearly 5,000 firms across the UK (91% of whom are SMEs – fewer than 250 employees). […]
Forecasting award for British Chambers of Commerce insights unit
After decades of providing respected economic analysis and data, 12 months ago British Chambers of Commerce formalised their offer through the establishment of the BCC Insights Unit. Now the team has been recognised for the quality of their economic forecasting. This week, they were named best forecaster for UK GDP in the 2024 FocusEconomics Analyst […]