How can businesses connect with the future workforce?

One key way for businesses to grow, bring in fresh ideas, keep up to date with the latest training and invest in future talent is through hiring an apprentice, taking on a T-Level student or welcoming a work placement into the organisation.

Q&A with Independent West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Metro Mayor candidate Ian Scott

What do you think a Metro Mayor’s role should be? It is to bring the West of England together to present clear local visions to local people, the Government and International Investors. It can do this by listening to local residents, Councils, businesses, public sector bodies and voluntary groups to come up with proposals that the majority of West of England Combined Authority (WECA) members can vote and agree on.

BCC Press Release: Businesses eager for tariff advice

More than 650 businesses have attended a webinar held by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to get more detail on US tariffs.

Navigating skills and workforce development with Business West

Whether you're looking to upskill your existing staff, recruit new people with the right skills and knowledge, create a workforce development plan or find out more about apprenticeships, Business West can help your business to navigate the skills landscape.

Customs Update: Spring 2025 Edition

ENS For EU Imports Since 31st January, freight coming to the UK from the EU has been subject to Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for safety and security. These are datasets of information required by HMRC before the goods arrive at the UK border in addition to the full import declarations already required. The process is in place as the UK is a signatory to the WCO (World Customs Organisation) SAFE Framework of Standards, which aims to uphold modern supply chain security standards. The system that handles these declarations is called S&S GB. This system has no user interface, so traders need to purchase software compatible with it. The responsibility for completing the ENS declaration lies with the carrier/haulier; however, the importer can arrange for it to be completed themselves with the carrier’s agreement. At ChamberCustoms we have successfully been fulfilling this requirement for regular shipments from EU countries.

BCC Press Release: Extent of US tariff impact revealed 

Swindon Mindful Employer Network Event Recap: Managing Stress & Wellbeing

We were pleased to welcome attendees to our first Mindful Employer Network event this week - a collaboration between Swindon Borough Council, Business West, and Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind. With Mental Health Awareness Week approaching in May, the focus on workplace stress was particularly timely.

Spotlight On Neil Priscott, CEO of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club

Occasionally we like to shine the spotlight on our members, and in this case one of the members of the Bristol Initiative. We sat down with Neil Priscott, CEO of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club to talk about their work and their relationship with the Bristol Initiative.

What do US Tariffs mean for UK exporters – and where else can you trade?

After weeks of speculation, UK exporters finally have clarity: a blanket 10% tariff will now apply to many goods heading to the United States. While some businesses may feel relieved to have a clear figure to work with, the broader impact is significant. According to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the new tariffs, including the previously announced 25% duties on steel, aluminium, cars, and other automotives, could affect up to £6 billion worth of UK-US trade and dampen the UK’s wider economic growth. So, where do UK exporters go from here? One thing is clear: building long-term trade relationships under unpredictable conditions is a major challenge. Trade wars help no one, and uncertainty around potential UK or EU retaliation only adds to the unease.