This week marks the entry into force of the UK trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand - the first entirely new trade deals which the UK has negotiated with key trading partners in the post-Brexit era.
This week marks the entry into force of the UK trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand - the first entirely new trade deals which the UK has negotiated with key trading partners in the post-Brexit era.
The challenges facing UK exporters in 2023 are significant and it will take a concerted effort by our global network, working alongside the UK Government, to positively shift the dial.
International trading has always been risky. But UK traders exporting to the EU have faced major hurdles over the last two years due to Brexit-related changes and uncertainties.
Firms of all sizes are currently confronted by a host of challenges, from soaring energy bills, labour shortages, spiralling inflation, and climbing interest rates. As a business owner, you need to ensure that your doors stay open and that your business can thrive no matter what the season brings.
We recently sat down with our new President, Baroness Martha Lane Fox following her election at the AGM last month. In this interview, we asked Martha what excites her about the future of British business, the BCC and the Chamber Network across the UK. We also asked her to share her advice for entrepreneurs, why she started the Lucky Voice chain of karaoke bars and her interests outside of working life.
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 might not think they have the time - or brain space - to start thinking about this. However, there are some simple hacks out there which can help businesses limit their energy usage.
This summer we’ve faced scorching temperatures across the UK and Europe. No matter what the weather’s like, now is the time to start thinking about how you can control your energy usage. Making small steps, like installing a smart meter, could help your business avoid spending more on energy than it needs to.
The arrival of the summer recess marks a respite period for many (other than Conservative Party leadership candidates and members) from an intense period of policy-making affecting trade. As a new Prime Minister takes office on 6 September, the in-tray on international trade issues will be daunting.
We recently welcomed Evie Hemsley into the BCC office for her Year 10 work experience. In this blog, Evie shares some of the tasks she completed and meetings she attended during the week as well as some insights into the importance of completing work experience.
Unexpected bills are the last thing firms need in this current climate. Installing a smart meter is a positive step in taking control of business outgoings. Once installed, energy readings will be sent directly to the supplier, bringing an end to estimated bills.
