Archive for March 2020
BCC comments on government support for the self-employed
Welcoming measures outlined by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to support the self-employed and sole traders whose businesses have been affected by Coronavirus, BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall said: “The Chancellor’s announcement offers a lifeline to the vast majority of the UK’s 5 million self-employed people, many of whom have seen their livelihoods vanish overnight. “Chambers, along with other business groups, have worked constructively with government to ensure the…
Read MoreBCC responds to new social distancing measures
Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement of further restrictions to tackle the spread of Coronavirus this evening (Monday 23rd March), BCC Director General Adam Marshall said: “Businesses must play their part to help limit the spread of Coronavirus. “As the UK goes into lockdown, ministers must be crystal-clear about which businesses can continue to operate,…
Read MoreCoronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)
The British Business Bank have this morning released full details Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS). Below is a summary of the key points: • The government has confirmed that it will provide lenders with a guarantee of 80% on each loan (subject to a per-lender cap on claims) to give lenders further confidence in…
Read MoreCoronavirus Guidance – Latest
Coronavirus – Advice to Business (published on Thursday 5 March 2020; updated 17 March) The global spread of coronavirus is now causing significant interest and concern among local businesses. Health and hygiene is of interest, of course, but now issues around continuance of trade is becoming a concern for some. Some businesses operating within West…
Read MoreVentilator supply chain call-out
The Government Commercial Function (GCF) needs help to build a resource pool to provide a rapid response to critical COVID-19 requirements, most urgently to deliver 30,000 new ventilators. Those with experience of working within the sectors below are asked to email with details. Medical device company or supplier Pharmaceutical company or a supplier Sub-contractors to…
Read MoreGrowth forecast downgraded by Coronavirus
UK economic growth is expected to slow sharply in 2020 amid disruption caused by the impact of Coronavirus, according to the latest economic forecast by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). BCC has downgraded its UK GDP growth expectations for 2020 to 0.8%. Outside of the 2008/09 financial crisis, this would be the weakest full-year growth outturn since 1992 and down sharply from UK GDP growth…
Read MoreRemote Working: More firms need to do more
Fewer than half of all UK businesses are geared up for remote working, according to a new report. The Retail Times is reporting that global recruiter Robert Walters has revealed the information. At a time when companies are looking at how to minimise social interaction due to the spread of coronavirus, the news makes interesting…
Read MoreChamber backs Council in HMRC site revamp delay
West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has joined forces with Bradford Council in calling for the city’s HMRC office to remain open permanently. HMRC has announced it is delaying the closure of offices in Yorkshire and Sunderland to cope with its increased headcount. The tax collection department’s Centenary Court offices in Bradford – where…
Read MoreWest & North Yorkshire Chamber events postponed
With the recent uncertainty surrounding the spread of Coronavirus, West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has decided that events planned over the coming weeks should be postponed to allow for changes brought in by company policies and/or government. We are currently looking to deliver some of our events programme and training courses as online…
Read MoreBudget 2020: Chamber Reaction & Key Points
Chamber Reaction to the 2020 Budget: “Businesses will be buoyed by some of the Chancellor’s announcements. There are still some real challenges facing business and the economy, not least the rapid spread of coronavirus, and so measures to help business tackle those hurdles are welcomed. “Support with statutory sick pay, additional lending and the one-year…
Read MoreKeighley-Leeds bus service relaunched
Keighley Bus Company has relaunched its service linking the town with Leeds. In 2017, a new fleet was introduced to the service, since when passenger numbers continue to rise. A package of improvements is now helping with rising demand. More seats from Leeds – extra Monday to Friday rush-hour trips offering a bus every 20 minutes from Leeds…
Read MoreSirius Minerals Sale – Reaction
York & North Yorkshire Chamber response to Sirius Minerals sale. “The Chamber has been a long-standing supporter of the Sirius Minerals project, recognising the significant economic uplift and job creation opportunities it will create. “We hope that the intervention by Anglo-American ensures this project continues and that the envisaged benefits to the region and to…
Read MoreCoronavirus – Advice to Business
Coronavirus – Advice to Business (published on Thursday 5 March 2020; updated 17 March) The global spread of coronavirus is now causing significant interest and concern among local businesses. Health and hygiene is of interest, of course, but now issues around continuance of trade is becoming a concern for some. Some businesses operating within West…
Read MoreClean Air Zone planned for Bradford
Clean Air Zone for Bradford? Your views are sought. Businesses and residents in Bradford have until 26 March to comment on a CAZ in the city. It is expected that a scheme similar to that planned for Leeds will be developed (i.e. drivers of the most polluting vehicles pay a daily charge – probably taxis,…
Read MoreBreakfast event to provide latest on city growth
Businesses in Bradford will receive information relevant to their future prospects at an upcoming breakfast event. Bradford Chamber Property Forum, on 31 March, will hear about various initiatives linked to the city’s growth and development, with opportunities aplenty for networking. Plans to change the landscape of the city – through the ‘Transforming Cities Fund’ and…
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