Showing results 244–252 of 544
“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
St Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration from Dublin to New York or anywhere in between. But when it comes to temporarily exporting goods to Ireland, don’t leave things to chance! Since the UK left the European Union, moving exhibition stands, professional equipment, or samples across borders can be confusing. The last thing you want is delays at customs, unexpected fees, or worse—goods stuck at the border! Now that would be unlucky! So, how can you take your goods out of the UK and into Ireland temporarily? belfast_port.jpg The answer is simple: an ATA Carnet - your “passport” for goods An ATA Carnet works like a “passport” for goods, allowing you to temporarily export and then re-import your items. Using an ATA Carnet will not only help you avoid costly duties and taxes when you visit Ireland but will make the journey into and out of the country go much more smoothly. This is because an ATA Carnet acts as a ‘guarantee’ to foreign countries/territories that all goods will be re-exported within a certain time-frame.
Helen Hodgson
17 March, 2025
Business West
Reacting to the introduction of 25 percent tariffs on exports of UK steel and aluminium to the United States, William Bain, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Head of Trade Policy, said: “This is a difficult day for trans-Atlantic trade and plunges businesses, in both the US and UK, into a new age of uncertainty. “Products made with UK steel and aluminium play an important part in many supply chains in the US. Both sides will now be facing up to negotiations on how the burden of these new tariffs will affect businesses in both countries. “Despite this action, UK firms will want to keep trading with their customers and clients in the US and vice versa. Our commercial, investment and trading relationships remain strong. “Tariffs mean prices and costs will inevitably go up and this is a lose-lose scenario for consumers, businesses, and economic growth. More tariffs are also on the agenda for the start of next month which will add fresh uncertainty into the mix. “BCC research shows that 63% of our manufacturing exporters were concerned about the impact of tariffs before their introduction. “But today’s setback does not mean we have reached the end of the road in terms of negotiations. Tariffs can be lifted at any time. “Businesses will be looking to the UK government to continue dialogue, with the US, to resolve this situation and restore certainty for firms, which has been badly lacking over recent weeks. “Against this background, a series of tit-for-tat tariffs could easily spiral into an all-out trade war and would do the UK little benefit. “We must keep talks alive and retaliatory tariffs should only be used as a means of last resort. “If talks succeed, it would be a win-win, bringing welcome stability and pro-growth economic conditions for both sides.”
Fiona Parsons
13 March, 2025
Business West
