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 2025
In the largest poll of business sentiment since October’s Budget, the British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey, shows business confidence remains in a slump following the Autumn Budget.
Business sentiment remains very weak as taxation continues to be the top concern. Business confidence has fallen further since the immediate aftermath of the Budget.
Read the report here.
Navigating Our Digital Future
The digital revolution opens a wealth of opportunities for UK businesses of all shapes and sizes. This report from the British Chambers of Commerce outlines a clear roadmap for action from policymakers across a series of interconnected areas. Without better broadband and wireless connectivity – and improved cyber security – businesses will not be able to engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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.
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
The Latest UK Labour Market Trends
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released the latest labour market data including insights on the unemployment rate, economic inactivity, vacancies, and pay growth. In partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce, recruitment experts, Pertemps, have produced a summary of the data for small businesses.
Read the press release here.
BCC Workplace Equity Commission
Boosting Opportunity and Realising Potential. As firms face persistent challenges with skills shortages, and the UK economy continues to be plagued by weak productivity and unprecedented rates of economic inactivity, the need for businesses to attract, develop and retain the broadest range of talent is clear
Read the report here.
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.
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 Survey - North West Data
The BCC recently completed the fieldwork for their 2024 Trade Survey which ran between 8 July and 9 August 2024. The dataset for the North West received 191 responses.
Read the report here.
BCC Global Britain Report
This report summarises the approach of the British Chambers of Commerce to helping the UK grow and prosper as an independent nation. It covers an analysis of the world’s place in Britain, summarising our history in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and proposing recommendations to improve our impressive track record.
Read the report 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.