2026-27 Manifesto
Introducing the 2026-27 Manifesto
Comments from Sharon Smith, Chief Exectutive:
It gives me great pleasure to introduce the 2026/27 Business Manifesto for Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. Shaped by our Quarterly Economic Surveys and ongoing engagement with businesses across both counties, it reflects the six key priorities identified by our Members as they navigate economic uncertainty, cost pressures, technological change and evolving global markets.
This manifesto sets out how the Chamber will champion Members’ interests, influence policy and provide practical support to drive sustainable growth, focusing on reducing cost pressures, closing skills gaps, supporting digital transformation, strengthening international trade, enabling business investment and advancing progress towards net zero.
THE CHAMBER'S 2026-27 BUSINESS MANIFESTO
Our Policy Commitment
How the Chamber can support you?
Through the national Chamber network and the British Chambers of Commerce, we will commit to lobby and work with the government and the Bank of England to implement greater financial investment, business support and ultimately plans for business growth.
Growing Revenue
In 2026, changes in profit and revenue remain key indicators of a business’s overall financial health and performance. Revenue growth suggests that a company is successfully attracting new customers, increasing sales volumes, or strengthening its market position. Sustained increases in revenue can provide the foundation for improved profitability, greater resilience, and reinvestment in future growth.
However, higher revenue does not automatically translate into higher profits. Profit margins continue to be influenced by operating costs, wage pressures, supply chain expenses, pricing strategies, and overall efficiency. Businesses that can manage costs effectively while maintaining competitive pricing are better positioned to protect and grow their margins. In a climate shaped by inflationary pressures and rising employment costs, careful financial management, productivity improvements, and strategic planning are increasingly important to ensure that revenue growth converts into sustainable profit.
Your Challenges
The Quarterly Economic Survey monitors business confidence in turnover and profitability. In Q1 2025, 43% of businesses expected turnover to increase, rising slightly to 44% by Q4. Profitability expectations were slightly weaker, with 37% anticipating improvement in Q1, falling to 33% by Q4. Meanwhile, the share expecting a decline rose from 26% to 31%.
What the Chamber will deliver in 2026/27
By leveraging the national Chamber network and the British Chambers of Commerce, we will help shape a supportive policy environment for businesses. Working with Government and the Bank of England, we will champion greater investment, practical business support, and long-term economic strategies.
Through coordinated lobbying and clear evidence, we will ensure the voice of business is heard and promote the conditions needed for sustainable growth and confident investment.
- Deliver targeted industry and county events, networking opportunities, and informative webinars designed to strengthen connections, share expertise, and raise Members’ profiles both locally and nationally.
- Host the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber Expo 2026, providing businesses with a high-profile platform to showcase their brand, generate new leads and sales, and engage with experts on current and emerging issues.
- Promote Member opportunities, including training programmes, funding streams, and business support initiatives, through coordinated Chamber communications, e-shots, and publications to maximise awareness and uptake.
- Grow the Growth Forum as a collaborative space for businesses of all sizes to exchange best practice, address shared challenges, and build relationships that support sustainable, long-term growth.
- Provide valuable insight and strong advocacy through the Quarterly Economic Survey and regular Bank of England economic briefings, ensuring Members remain informed and their views are represented.
- Provide a variety of marketing opportunities to help businesses boost their visibility and extend their reach.
Controlling Costs
In 2026, business costs remain a critical factor in shaping a company’s performance and profitability. Elevated operating costs can strain financial resources, limit growth opportunities, and reduce the ability to invest in innovation or expansion. Conversely, effective cost management allows businesses to direct funds toward strategic initiatives, improve profit margins, and stay competitive in the marketplace. Changes in costs, including those for raw materials, labour, and overheads, also affect pricing strategies and customer demand.
Careful monitoring and management of business costs are therefore essential for long-term sustainability and success. Understanding cost challenges and their fluctuations throughout the year is particularly important. The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) continues to provide valuable insights into these trends. In 2026, we remain committed to prioritising this resource and ensuring its findings are published and readily accessible to our Members.
The Quarterly Economic Surveys (QES) carried out during 2025 revealed largely consistent trends in business cost pressures, with minimal change over the course of the year. In the first quarter, 52% of businesses reported corporate taxation as a concern, and by November 2025 this figure remained broadly unchanged at 52%.
Inflation followed a similar pattern: 45% of businesses highlighted it as a concern in Q1, with this proportion easing slightly to 43% by Q4. Meanwhile, concern about business rates stood at 24% in the first quarter and remained stable throughout 2025.
Your Challenges
Our Q4 Quarterly Economic Survey found that 62% of businesses cited wage and National Insurance costs as their main concern for 2026/27, with 50% also highlighting wider employment costs. Inflation and rising costs a continue to challenge businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
What the Chamber will deliver in 2026/27
Working with the national Chamber network and the British Chambers of Commerce, we will continue to lobby the government to ensure businesses receive the support they need to manage rising costs.
- Work closely with public sector partners including all Council and Growth Hubs across the two counties to ensure all Members receive timely information, guidance, and access to all relevant grant and funding opportunities. These will be promoted prominently through our website and social media channels.
- Maintain regular communication with Members through press releases and the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) reports, providing updates on policy developments and sector trends while actively seeking feedback on emerging cost pressures.
- Deliver a programme of events and webinars, including our 12 sector-specific forums, to share best practice from Member businesses and explore practical approaches to reducing costs.
- Promote the 2026 Salary and Benefits Report as a valuable benchmarking tool to help Members assess wage pressures and strengthen their recruitment and retention strategies.
- Work in partnership with our affiliate partner Quest to provide Members with access to four essential services: HR support, Health & Safety guidance, Legal Advice, and Tax & VAT advice.
Our Policy Commitment
How the Chamber can support you?
Through the national Chamber network and the British Chambers of Commerce, we will continue to lobby government to ensure businesses are supported with cost increases, and any support in the form of funding, training, events etc are highlighted via the various forms of Chamber comms.
Our Policy Commitment
How the Chamber can support you?
As a Chamber, we will keep advancing the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), while advocating for local apprenticeship opportunities, work-based experiences, and ensuring businesses have ample chances to collaborate with local universities, schools, and colleges.
People, Inclusivity and Diversity
People, inclusivity, and diversity are central to long-term business success. A diverse workforce encourages fresh thinking, innovation, and stronger problem-solving, while inclusive cultures drive higher engagement, productivity, and employee satisfaction. When individuals feel respected and valued, they are more motivated to perform at their best, directly strengthening overall business performance.
Embracing diversity also enhances a company’s ability to understand and serve a wide range of customers. Organisations that reflect the communities they operate in are better positioned to meet evolving needs, build lasting relationships, and strengthen brand loyalty. A clear commitment to inclusivity not only broadens market opportunities but also attracts top talent and reinforces reputation, resilience, and competitiveness.
Your Challenges
The proportion of businesses trying to recruit held relatively stable during 2025, standing at 46% in Q1 and 49% in Q4. By contrast, at the close of 2024, the leading business concern was Wage and National Insurance costs, cited by 60% of respondents as their top priority.
What the Chamber will deliver in 2026/27
The Chamber will continue to drive the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), champion local apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities, and ensure businesses have plentiful avenues to engage with nearby universities, schools, and colleges.
- Expand the Chamber’s training programs to help members develop their workforce, offering customised and specialised courses that address the unique needs of individual businesses.
- Promote workplace equality and diversity through case studies, forums, and training initiatives, creating a positive impact on both society and the local community.
- Leverage the successful partnerships formed in 2025 with universities, further education institutions, and training providers to develop targeted local support programs.
- Sustain the delivery of New to Networking events to help emerging talent enhance their networking abilities, while continuing to provide forums and opportunities for HR professionals to share best practices and expand their expertise.
- Advance the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) by working closely with employers and training providers to identify local business skill requirements and strengthen collaboration between these groups.
- Maintain collaboration with public sector authorities and further education providers to evaluate regional business skills needs and ensure employees have access to relevant, high-quality training opportunities.
International Trade
International trade continues to be a crucial driver for businesses, enabling them to expand market reach, increase sales, and diversify revenue streams. By engaging with global markets, companies can reduce dependence on local demand, access new resources, drive innovation, and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected economy. International trade also presents opportunities for long-term growth and sustainable business success.
Businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire actively participate in both imports and exports, navigating processes such as securing sales, arranging logistics, receiving goods, and exploring emerging markets. Over recent years, the UK’s trading environment has undergone significant changes, influenced by post-Brexit regulations, shifts in trade policy, and fluctuations in shipping and customs costs. Global events, including supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, continue to affect businesses operating internationally.
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber remains committed to supporting local businesses by collaborating with regional, national, and international partners. This includes providing guidance and advocacy to help companies trade efficiently with both EU and non-EU markets, ensuring they can seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and contribute to regional economic growth in 2026 and beyond.
Your Challenges
Recent domestic political and economic changes have made it challenging for businesses to keep up with evolving regulations. Around 34% of importers and exporters cited regulatory compliance and administrative barriers as major obstacles, while 14% reported concerns over import and export transportation costs at the end of 2025.
What the Chamber will deliver in 2026/27
Through the Chamber network and the British Chambers of Commerce, we will continue offering businesses expert guidance to help them navigate the evolving landscape of international trade.
- The Chamber’s International Trade and Membership teams will continue providing guidance to businesses globally, maintaining links through the International Chamber of Commerce and over 120 Embassies and High Commissions. We will also support the British Chambers of Commerce in implementing their Trade Strategy Manifesto.
- The International Trade Forum will continue to offer a platform for Members and Non-members to share knowledge, best practices, and market insights. Export Documentation and Import/Export Customs Declaration services through Chamber Customs will remain available.
- Trade training programs will be expanded to help businesses of all sizes develop skills and stay informed on key topics. Temporary export services, including ATA Carnet and declarations, will be enhanced to ensure compliance in a dynamic market.
- The Chamber will regularly share updates on contracts, trade initiatives, and best practices to keep businesses informed and ready to act on global opportunities.
Our Policy Commitment
How the Chamber can support you?
Through the Chamber network and the British Chambers of Commerce, we will continue to provide expert advice to businesses on how to navigate the ever-changing world of international trade.
Our Policy Commitment
How the Chamber can support you?
To continue to lobby government to provide funding and incentives to encourage innovation for businesses that want to introduce new technologies to enable business growth. To continue to highlight the risks of Cyber security and provide information to businesses to protect them from Cyber-crime.
Cyber Security and Technology
Cybersecurity continues to be a critical priority for businesses in 2026, as cyberattacks become more sophisticated and frequent. With organisations increasingly dependent on digital platforms for communication, transactions, and data management, protecting sensitive information is essential to prevent financial loss, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. A strong cybersecurity framework not only secures company data but also reinforces customer trust, helping businesses stay competitive. By implementing advanced security measures, organisations can minimise disruptions, maintain operational continuity, and provide a safe environment for employees and clients.
Equally, embracing emerging technologies is essential for businesses seeking growth and resilience in 2026. Innovations such as artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing, generative AI, and advanced data analytics can improve efficiency, streamline operations, and create new opportunities. Adopting the right technologies enables businesses to optimise performance, enhance customer experiences, and make informed, data-driven decisions. Staying at the forefront of technological developments ensures companies remain competitive, adapt to evolving market demands, and unlock new revenue streams, positioning them for long-term success.
Your Challenges
In Q4 2025, 37% of businesses identified cybersecurity as a key concern, underscoring the rising risk of digital threats and the need for stronger defenses. Meanwhile, 35% of businesses reported apprehension about potential risks from artificial intelligence, up from 15% the previous year.
What the Chamber will deliver in 2026/27
Maintain efforts to influence government policy, securing funding and incentives that help businesses adopt innovative technologies and drive growth. At the same time, promote awareness of cybersecurity threats and equip businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to defend against cybercrime.
- Maintain collaboration with affiliate partner Cyber Essentials to raise awareness of the scheme and provide Members with discounted certification.
- Strengthen partnerships with local universities, including the University of Worcester and NMiTE, alongside other higher education institutions and training providers, to ensure educational programs reflect industry needs and emerging trends.
- Highlight and promote Technology and Innovation funding opportunities, helping businesses access financial support for growth and innovation.
- Access the BCC AI Academy, a practical, role-specific training programme powered by PAIR, to build AI skills that boost productivity, improve decision-making, and deliver real business results, with flexible online learning, personalised feedback, and shareable certification.
- Partner with technology-sector members to showcase the value of emerging innovations to the wider Chamber community.
- Highlight cybersecurity risks and provide practical guidance to help businesses mitigate threats.
- Continue to deliver and expand training programs that support employees in maintaining existing skills while developing new capabilities.
Sustainability
In 2026, sustainability remains a key priority for businesses, addressing both environmental and social responsibilities while securing long-term success. Focusing on sustainable practices helps companies reduce their environmental footprint, conserve resources and minimise waste, which are critical steps in tackling climate change and protecting natural ecosystems. With consumers, investors and regulators increasingly prioritising environmental responsibility, organisations that embed sustainability into their operations enhance their reputation, build trust and strengthen customer loyalty. Beyond its ethical benefits, sustainability also drives innovation, cost efficiency and regulatory compliance, making it a strategic imperative for businesses seeking a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Your Challenges
In Q4 2025, 39% of businesses cited rising energy costs as a key challenge. Additionally, 14% were concerned about developing and maintaining sustainability plans, reflecting the growing need to balance environmental responsibility with operational demands.
What the Chamber will deliver in 2026/27
Advocate to government for accessible guidance and financial support that enables businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. Promote available funding, grants, events, and networking opportunities to help businesses mitigate the effects of rising inflation and energy costs.
- Plan and deliver four sustainability forums in 2026/27, bringing together businesses and industry experts to discuss climate challenges and practical strategies for improving environmental responsibility.
- Continue to monitor and share grant and funding opportunities available to businesses across both counties, helping them access resources to support sustainable initiatives.
- Review and advance the Chamber’s own Net Zero Action Plan, targeting a 5% reduction in energy consumption and setting a strong example for members.
- Showcase additional case studies of best practices, giving businesses clear, actionable steps to enhance their sustainability efforts.
- Enhance the sustainability hub on the Chamber’s website by working with partners, including local growth hubs, to provide the business community with up-to-date guidance, resources, and tools.
- Celebrate and highlight outstanding achievements in sustainability through the Chamber Business Awards, recognising organisations making a tangible impact on environmental responsibility.
- Remain committed to our B Corp values and actively collaborate with other local B Corp companies to share best practices and inspire more businesses to embrace responsible and sustainable practices.
Our Policy Commitment
How the Chamber can support you?
Lobby government to ensure advice and funding are provided to businesses to increase every opportunity for them to become more sustainable. Ensure support in the form of funding, grants, events, and networking are promoted to businesses to reduce the impact of rising inflation and energy costs.
Become a Chamber Member!
Contact our Chamber Membership team to find out how we can help your business.