Showing results 199–207 of 499
Reacting to the planned introduction of an extra 25 percent tariff on UK exports of cars and other automotives to the United States, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said: "Businesses were already looking with trepidation towards next week’s planned reciprocal tariffs before this fresh upheaval was announced.
Fiona Parsons
27 March, 2025
Business West
Ed Rowberry, the newly appointed President of the Bristol Chamber & Initiative, brings a wealth of experience, a deep love for Bristol, and a clear vision for the region’s future. As CEO of BBRC, he has already driven over £70m in investment into the West of England, championing sustainable and inclusive growth. In this Q&A, Ed shares his journey, his hopes for the role, and why he believes Bristol’s business community can be a powerful force for good.
Anonymous Author
27 March, 2025
Business West
“The Chancellor outlined some improved long-term growth forecasts from next year, thanks in part to the Government’s planning reform and increased defence spending. These measures are positive for our regional economy, which has a pressing need for new housing, and has a strong defence and advanced manufacturing industry.
Phil Smith
26 March, 2025
Business West
The topic of skills is often in the news, with stories frequently highlighting the national shortage of skills in particular sectors, such as construction and healthcare. Recent headlines have reinforced this skills gap and the urgency of finding a solution, with PM Kier Starmer announcing a target of building “1.5 million new homes in England by 2029”. This news has left construction industry leaders warning that “the UK does not have enough construction workers” to meet this target.
Louise Holland
26 March, 2025
Business West
“We need to better sell our region” is now a common refrain I hear in my conversations with business members, senior leaders and politicians on an almost daily basis. It was a key talking-point at the Festival of Flourishing Regions, the Devolution and Growth event, and the recent Mayoral Hustings that we held.
Phil Smith
25 March, 2025
Business West
At the end of 16 years as Executive Director, Ian Bell reflects on the impact over that time of Bath Chamber of Commerce and the Initiative in B&NES, part of Business West, on behalf of the business community.
Ian Bell
24 March, 2025
Business West
Editor's note: earlier this month, the Bristol Initiative hosted the first hustings for the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority's next Metro Mayor with candidates from the Conservative, Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties in attendance. We invited all candidates to do a Q&A on our blog, and here we speak with candidate Oli Henman of the Liberal Democrats.
Oli Henman
21 March, 2025
Business West
What is the Trade Facilitation Forum? The UK Chamber of Commerce network recently gathered for the annual Trade Facilitation Forum (TFF) hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Members of the Business West International Trade Services team attended to hear the latest updates shaping the future of global trade.
Nathan Hoyle
21 March, 2025
Business West
BCC Director General calls for ‘new settlement with our closest neighbours’ Director General Shevaun Haviland calls on the Government to push for a new settlement with the EU to support British businesses to expand and drive growth. More than 400 businesses are expected at the British Chambers of Commerce’s 2025 Driving International Trade Conference in Central London. Haviland is speaking ahead of the Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP, who is giving a keynote address to businesses, as well as representatives from more than 30 Chambers of Commerce from around the UK and internationally. BCC will take a delegation of leading British businesses to Washington, alongside Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds MP to meet with Ambassador Mandelson. The Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Shevaun Haviland, is urging the Government to accelerate efforts to reset UK/EU relations to quickly remove trade barriers for businesses. She will make the plea at the BCC Driving International Trade Conference 2025 on Thursday March 20 in Central London. In her keynote address, Haviland will warn that as the world order shifts, with unique geopolitical challenges, UK businesses are calling out for a pragmatic, growth-driven package of improvements to the UK/EU trading relationship. She will also highlight the importance of strengthening UK/US trading relations, announcing that the BCC will lead a delegation of some of Britain’s largest businesses to Washington, alongside the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, to meet with Ambassador Mandelson.
Fiona Parsons
20 March, 2025
Business West
