On 3 March 2021, the Chancellor announced the Restart Grant Scheme to help support businesses affected by the Coronavirus pandemic as they reopen in line with the gradual lifting of restrictions. Applications for the Restart Scheme are now open until 30 June 2021....
Coronavirus Updates
BCC says modest growth in GDP offers some hope for the future
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released data today (13 April) estimating that gross domestic product (GDP) has grown by 0.4% in February 2021. That follows a fall of 2.2% in January, an upward revision from negative 2.9%, as the UK entered the third...
BCC Welcomes Global Travel Framework But Warns Questions Remain
A framework to chart the safe return of international travel has been set out today (9 April 2021) by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. A traffic light system, which will categorise countries based on risk alongside the restrictions required for travel, will be set up...
Recovery Loan Scheme
The Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) launched earlier this week will provide financial support to businesses across the UK as they recover and grow following the Coronavirus pandemic. BCC's Suren Thiru was included on the press release welcoming the new scheme which "can...
Businesses urged to apply now for a British passport
The Passport Office is urging businesses to allow up to 10 weeks when applying for a UK passport. Whilst it is still illegal to holiday overseas and the “Stay in the UK” regulation remains in place, by applying for a passport now, people can make sure nothing stands...
Exit out of Lockdown to continue as many businesses prepare to reopen
Non-essential shops, gyms, hairdressers can reopen as planned next Monday as well as hospitality settings allowed to serve customers outdoors the Prime Minister has confirmed. As part of the governments roadmap to recovery, phase 2 will continue as planned and see a...
Worcestershire County Council key messaging for Covid-19
Worcestershire County Council have implemented a considerable programme of work to reduce the sustained high numbers of Covid-19 cases in Redditch. We continue to see spread amongst the working age population, so a considerable amount of engagement and communications...
Hundreds of free qualifications on offer to boost skills and jobs
Launch of free qualifications marks a major milestone in government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee
BCC Quarterly Economic Survey Q1 2021: Firms Fighting for Survival but More See a Route Out of Crisis
The British Chambers of Commerce’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) – the UK’s largest independent survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth – found that business conditions remained historically poor in the first quarter of 2021 as the...
Additional businesses eligible to access rapid coronavirus testing for home workers
Employers in England will be able to offer free rapid coronavirus tests to homeworkers under the governments expanded testing scheme in order to detect more asymptomatic cases. Businesses with more than 10 employees will be offered the free home kits where on-site...