Pace of service sector decline appears to be slowing

British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey results - Q1 2009

The results of the Quarter 1, 2009 British Chambers of Commerce Economic Survey confirm that the UK recession is still very serious, and is likely to continue for some time.

BCC: Increasing statutory redundancy pay will not help firms retain staff

A second reading debate on the Statutory Redundancy Pay (Amendment) Bill is taking place today in the House of Commons.

BCC: Manufacturing figures highlight urgent need for action

Commenting on the January manufacturing figures, just published by the ONS, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"The much worse than expected manufacturing figures show that the sector has so far failed to benefit from the sharp falls in sterling. Clearly, the essential rebalancing of the UK economy towards industry is not yet taking place.

SCC DELIVERS MESSAGES ON UK BUDGET

Scottish Chambers of Commerce today met with Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy MP to highlight the key challenges facing businesses in Scotland and to outline some of the expectations for next month's Budget Statement from the Chancellor.

BCC: Chancellor's Budget must offer credible plan to curb future borrowing

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published its March 2009 Economic Forecast. It comes in the wake of the MPC slashing interest rates to a new historic low and the Bank of England's move into unchartered territory by creating £75 billion of new money to boost the economy.

BCC launches National Business Recovery Plan

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has launched a strategic framework outlining the policies required to foster business growth in the short-term and lay the foundations for economic stability in the long-term.

The BCC's recovery plan has emerged as a result of increasing concerns that the government's attempts to aid business recovery have so far lacked focus and a clear direction towards growth and stability. Economic Recovery Plan

Further interest rate cut will still benefit economy

Commenting on the choices facing the MPC at its March 2009 meeting next Thursday, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"In the face of continued dire economic prospects, both in the UK and globally, we urge the MPC to cut interest rates by a further half point on Thursday.