Commenting on the GDP figures for Q1 2018, released today by the ONS, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Sadly, the latest GDP figures confirm what we have been saying for some time: the UK is stuck in the global growth slow lane, while other countries race ahead.

“Westminster politicians need to start focusing their attention on a much stronger, more proactive drive to boost growth and investment. While the ‘Beast from the East’ clearly had an impact in the first quarter, the underlying slow-growth trend is real cause for concern.

“Instead of a constant focus on Brexit, business seeks vision and a clear direction from government on UK economic growth. Businesses across the country want the Prime Minister to make a ‘Mansion House Speech’ on the domestic business environment, and what her government will do to improve it.

“All the firms I speak to want to see far more focus on fixing the fundamentals here at home. No country with faltering infrastructure, a training system in chaos and patchy digital connectivity is going to win in the global growth sweepstakes. A back-to-basics approach that delivers concrete improvements would do more to boost productivity and competitiveness than flashy new initiatives, and matters as much as any eventual Brexit deal.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

The BCC has launched a campaign aimed at eradicating not-spots for mobile voice coverage. Add your not-spot here.

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Head of Press and Communications

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812

Speaking at the British Standards Institution’s BSI Standards Forum, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), will today (Thursday) warn against allowing a ‘proxy war’ over a Customs Union to overshadow other crucial aspects of Brexit negotiations – including the UK’s future approach to standards, which will have a major impact on the competitiveness and market access of UK products after the UK leaves the European Union in 2019.

Marshall will argue that the UK must secure its long-standing influence as a standards-setter at both European and global level. Together with BSI and other organisations, the British Chambers of Commerce has called upon the UK government to act swiftly to retain the UK’s place at the top table of European standards-setting bodies CEN and CENELEC, where the UK has long played a leading role in setting voluntary industrial standards. 

Standards are one of a number of ‘behind the border’ issues that businesses highlight as crucial in the Brexit negotiations, as their complexity can present greater costs to business than some tariffs or customs procedures.

Marshall will also highlight the desire for a stronger Westminster focus on improving the domestic business environment – where businesses feel action has stalled.

On the need to keep the UK a standards-maker, not a standards-taker, Marshall will say:

(Check against delivery)

“Various factions in Westminster still appear to be more interested in scoring points in their never-ending domestic political game, rather than working forensically to get the best possible outcome for the UK economy. The Customs Union debate currently raging is a case in point.

“Customs is far from the only issue at stake. Standards may be less high profile, but future arrangements here are just as important for business planning. As with so much else in the Brexit process, the word ‘standards’ has been repeatedly misused by politicians – who far too often do not understand the voluntary norms set by, and for, use in industries ranging from cables to cars.

“The UK needs to decide whether, after leaving the EU, it will remain a standards-maker, or if it will become a standards-taker. If we do not maintain our commitment to the single standard model – only keeping one set of standards ‘in action’ for a given product – a standards-taker is exactly what we risk becoming.

“Industry needs a clearer statement of intent from Government that the UK will stay committed to being at the forefront of global and European standards – so that UK firms can continue influencing the very standards that they must comply with.”

On the need for greater focus on improving the domestic business environment, Marshall will say:

“Business wants to see far more focus on what’s in our control, right here in the UK, over the months ahead.  Instead of more set piece speeches on Brexit, I want to see bold declarations on what Government intends to do here in the UK to make our business environment second to none.

“Our industries must be competitive, our companies productive, our people enterprising if we are to succeed in the years and decades to come. For that very reason, Westminster must keep its Brexit obsession in check – and focus far more of its time and energy on fixing the fundamentals here at home.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

The BCC has launched a campaign aimed at eradicating not-spots for mobile voice coverage. Add your not-spot here.

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Head of Press and Communications

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812

Only half of businesses believe the UK’s phone network is more reliable than five years ago, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) released today.

A survey by the BCC of over 1,100 businesses, found that while 53% of firms believe the reliability of the UK’s mobile phone network has improved compared to five years ago, 30% believe there has been no change and 16% say that it is less reliable.

Despite welcome investment and progress in the rollout of mobile coverage, businesses across the country still report problems with accessing reliable mobile coverage. In response to the frustration of business communities, last month the BCC launched its No More Not Spots campaign to end not spots for voice coverage where UK phone users live, work, travel and play.

As part of the campaign, business communities have been identifying gaps in UK mobile coverage by logging them online. In one month, over 500 not spots have been identified across the country.

Not spots, and areas of partial not spots, undermine the connectivity and productivity of UK businesses. The recent survey also found that 21% of businesses don’t believe the UK’s mobile phone network meets their needs in accessing new and existing customers, suppliers and employees.

Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“A reliable mobile signal is a basic everyday requirement for businesses.

“Despite big investments in the mobile network in recent years, nearly half of businesses say they haven’t seen improvements – so there’s clearly still work to do to translate upgrades into a better real-life experience for users. That’s why Chambers of Commerce are campaigning for improvements all across the UK. 

“In just one month, phone users have already identified over 500 not spots, areas across the UK where they can’t get mobile signal. Not spots generate understandable frustration, and undermine firms’ productivity and their ability to connect with customers, suppliers and employees. Our campaign is bringing together business communities, industry and government to resolve these issues locally.

“Better mobile coverage is part of getting the basics right, so that business can drive growth across the UK. Ministers must pay more attention to delivering a great environment for growth here at home, not spend all their time on the twists and turns of Brexit. A reliable national mobile network must be high on the list — so that we can take advantage of new technologies like 5G in future.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

Businesses and individuals can log a not spot on the BCC website.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) surveyed 1,208 businesses from all regions of the UK online from 29 January to 14 February. Of the businesses surveyed, 94% were SMEs, 30% operate in the manufacturing sector, and 70% operate in the services sector.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Head of Press and Communications

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812

Speaking today (Thursday) at the Apprenticeships Conference in London, Jane Gratton, Head of Skills at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), will warn about the need for reform of the Apprenticeship Levy to make it workable for business.

One year after the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, the leading business organisation is calling for reform of the system which is causing confusion and frustration among the UK business community and acts as a brake on skills development.

Many firms are finding it difficult to engage with the system due to its complexity, and regard it as another tax, rather than a useful tool for moulding and training the skills needed for the future.

Statistics from the Department of Education show that since the introduction of the Levy in April 2017, the number of apprenticeship starts has decreased significantly. The latest figures show a 25% drop compared to the same time last year.

Addressing the conference, Jane Gratton will say:

(Check against delivery)

“Today most sectors and regions of the UK are facing skills shortages, and our research shows recruitment difficulties across the economy stand near record highs. In this environment, and with virtually full employment, plugging the skills gap must be at the forefront of the government’s agenda.

“Businesses recognise that apprenticeships are a crucial tool in shaping the skills of tomorrow, but the current restrictions and inflexibility of the system make it unfit for purpose. For many levy payers it feels like a tax, or redirects funds set aside for other forms of workplace training. At the other end of the spectrum, the funding rules mean that SMEs are facing higher recruitment costs, and are unsure how and where to access quality training providers.

“The aim of the Apprenticeship Levy is laudable, but its structure and implementation are obstacles to training the talent of tomorrow. The government needs to urgently engage with business and training providers to make it work for everyone. More support for SMEs accessing apprenticeship funding, more time for firms to source apprenticeship training and allowing more Levy funding to be passed down the supply chain, are all steps in the right direction that could be easily and promptly implemented.

“Once the necessary reforms are made, a period of stability in the UK’s training system is needed to give businesses the certainty and confidence to engage and invest in the long-term.” 

Ends

Notes to editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

The BCC has launched a campaign aimed at eradicating not-spots for mobile voice coverage. Add your not-spot here.

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Head of Press and Communications

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812

Commenting on the inflation statistics for March 2018, published today by the Office for National Statistics, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

Inflation slowed again in March, confirming its downward trajectory. The largest downward pressure came from clothing and footwear prices which rose by less than a year ago. The latest figures also provide further confirmation that real wage growth has returned to positive territory. 

“Inflation is likely to continue easing over the near term as the impact of the post-EU referendum slide in sterling fully dissipates. The BCC’s own Quarterly Economic Survey confirms that the pressure on firms to raise prices have eased a little over recent months. That said, upward pressure from rising commodity prices could well keep inflation hovering above the Bank of England’s 2% inflation target over the short term. As a consequence, real wage growth may remain muted for some time to come.

“While interest rates are expected to rise next month, with UK economic growth likely to have slowed in the first quarter and inflation easing, the case for tightening monetary policy remains relatively weak. We’d caution against a sustained increase in interest rates as it could dampen confidence and weaken overall economic activity. More must also be done to lift confidence and growth, including addressing the escalating burden of up-front business costs.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 52 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. Our Global Business Network connects exporters with nearly 40 markets around the world. For more information, visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk

The BCC has launched a campaign aimed at eradicating not-spots for mobile voice coverage. Add your not-spot here.

Media contacts:

Allan Williams – Head of Press and Communications

020 7654 5812 / 07920583381

Orla Hennessy – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812