British Chambers of Commerce

Latest news from the British Chambers of Commerce.

• Three quarters of small businesses don’t give staff official performance reviews
  Bosses blame limited time for neglecting appraisals 29July
• Four-fifths of entrepreneurs see Britain as “unbearably expensive” for business
  More than half of small firms struggling to cope with rising costs 26July
• Loan initiative for small firms attracts more lenders
  Government also prepared to offer further security on loans 25July
• 40% of business malware attacks target small firms
  Recreation, marketing and engineering firms particularly vulnerable, says Symantec report 22July
• Government reform business rates to “empower” councils
  Councils challenged to offer further support to businesses 20July
• Sheffield aims to become enterprise hub
  MADE Entrepreneur festival to support economic growth 19July
• Plans to cancel cheques abandoned
  News could be welcomed by more than 40% of small firms 14July
• Manufacturing firms’ confidence falls to two-year low, according to new report
  But BCC insists recovery is continuing 12July
• BCC urges government to free start-ups and micro firms from automatic pensions requirements
  Newest and smallest should be exempt, says Chambers chief 7July
• Sharp increase in the number of small firms demanding government support
  With 33% requesting VAT return to previous rate 6July
• Over half of small firms are failing to make use of mobile technology
  With 44% of companies not understanding the benefits 4July
• A third of businesses remain uncertain about new Bribery Act regulations
  71% of companies still don’t understand the new laws – which came into force today 1July
• Bank of England criticises government’s handling of banks
  Businesses fear existing borrowing could be compromised by seeking new credit 30June
• Financial health of UK businesses in decline
  Hike in operating costs to blame, says report 29June
• Businesses urged to “blow the whistle” on red tape
  New initiative launched to uncover excessive regulations 27June
• More businesses closing subsidiaries to cut costs
  Each closure can save up to £20,000, according to new report 22June
• Business accelerators shooting up across Europe
  But success rate for applicants can be as low as 1% 21June
• Start-ups given the chance to scoop a year’s free marketing
  MAA and Startup Britain join forces to promote UK’s entrepreneur community 20June