Keep up to date on the issues affecting your region
We have collated the latest business reports and information on the various areas affecting local businesses. Read and download the reports below.
UK Business Landscape
QES Infosheet Q1 2024
The BCC’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey shows that while business confidence remains buoyant, there has been no overall improvement to business conditions, as measured by investment, sales, and cash flow.
More than half (56%) expect their turnover to grow over the next twelve months. Almost half (46%) now expect their prices to rise in the next three months.
Read the report here.
A Business-Led Plan For Thriving Communities
"Local economies play a powerful role in all of our daily lives. They impact on how we live, work and spend our money. Crucially, they create a sense of community."
The British Chambers Of Commerce have produced a plan looking at what is required to generate a thriving business community. Read the report here.
BCC React To The Chancellor's Budget (March 2024)
Budget boosts jobs but challenges remain. “Following the Autumn Statement this Budget was always set to deliver less for business although changes to National Insurance will provide some momentum".
Read the full response here.
Read this Policy Grid outlining all policy announcements from the new Budget.
BCC Quarterly Economic Forecast Q4 2023
The QES is the UK's largest independent Investment survey of business sentiment. Thank you to everyone who filled out our QES survey. Your input contributed to BCC's overall report.
Read the full report here.
The Power of British Business: A Framework for the Future
The British Chambers of Commerce has published a framework for the future to fully unlock ‘The Power of British Business’. Their report outlines key policy asks on economic growth, skills and employment, trade; and net-zero.
Read the report here.
Three Key Fixes Needed For SME Finance
The British Chambers of Commerce has called for action to improve the availability of finance for SMEs as accessibility, awareness and a lack of competition continue to hold firms back.
Read the press release here.
Recruitment
Boosting Skills: Journey Through Education & Work
To grow our economy we need more skilled, engaged and motivated people to contribute to the workforce in every part of the UK. In recent years, however, we have had record levels of job vacancies. Employers have experienced a shortage of job candidates and a mismatch of skills on offer
The British Chambers Of Commerce have produced a report looking at the UK skills market and provided a 10 point plan for people and work. Read the report here.
Quarterly Recruitment Outlook Q4 2023
The latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook, a survey of 4,800 UK firms of all sectors and sizes by the British Chambers of Commerce, reveals 76% of firms attempting to recruit faced difficulties. Firms in the hospitality sector reported the most challenges.
Read the press release here.
Business Barometer 2023
The annual report, published by The Open University and the British Chambers of Commerce, provides a temperature check on the UK skills landscape
Read the report here.
Finance
Find A Grant
Find a Grant is a UK government service that allows individuals and organisations to find and apply for general government grants.
Find government grants and check if you are eligible to apply here.
Cheshire East Council's Grants & Finance
Check out Cheshire East Council’s current and planned business support grant programmes. If you’re interested in applying or would like some assistance, please let us know.
See the available grants here.
Net Zero
Net Zero Bootcamp
The Net Zero Group are looking to host a bootcamp to help local companies create a sustainability strategy for their organisation and assess their carbon footprint and create a reduction plan.
They are looking to gauge interest in this bootcamp to secure funding. To register your interest, click here.
Building Sustainable Futures For UK Businesses
The clock is ticking on the climate crisis and solutions lie in the collective ingenuity of British businesses. Thriving companies innovate to stay ahead and by setting ambitious goals they raise the bar for entire markets.
The British Chambers Of Commerce have produced a report looking at the UK's current progress towards Net Zero and provides frameworks for change. Read the report here.
BCC Net Zero Survey - North West Data
BCC recently completed the fieldwork for their 2023 International Trade Survey which ran between 9 October and 3 November 2023. A briefing session for Chambers was held on 9 November.
Here is the summary dataset for the North West, which received 217 responses. As a general rule, questions with fewer than 100 responses should be ignored.
Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)
Employer Skills Survey
Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) have spearheaded one of the biggest shake ups around skills and business needs in recent times.
The British Chambers Of Commerce produced a report which found that Chambers of Commerce have the significant and inherent strengths needed to be effective leaders in LSIPs for years to come. Read the report here.
Employer Skills Survey
Responses to the latest Employer Skills Survey help us create the report below. The results of this survey will inform the development of a Local Skills Improvement Plan for Cheshire & Warrington.
Read the report here.
Emerging Priorities
The Emerging Priorities report was carried out by South Cheshire Chamber to determine the gap between skill demand and supply in the local labour market. It highlights the challenges but also opportunities in the region.
Read the report here.
International Trade
BCC Trade Manifesto 2023
The British Chambers of Commerce oversees a dynamic Network of 53 accredited UK Chambers with affiliates in over 75 international markets committed to creating a platform for businesses to shape the economy for the better.
Read their latest Trade Manifesto here.
RED TAPE, REGULATION & COSTS HOLDING BACK EXPORTS
A survey of almost 650 UK businesses by the BCC, has shown that customs checks, tariffs and regulation are the top three barriers to exporting.
Read the BCC press release here.
If you would like to contact us regarding local issues, you can do so on info@sccci.co.uk.