Economic Research and Reports
The Chamber are continuously conducting local research in order to gauge Members’ experiences of fundamental business issues, this can range from local infrastructure developments to concerns of national pertinence. This qualitative and quantitative research is then analysed via a plethora of reports created by our team of experts. These reports identify the critical issues our businesses are currently facing and the actions your local Chamber are going to take, in order to support your business in overcoming those barriers to growth.
Quarterly Economic Reports
The Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is the largest private sector independent business survey of its kind in the UK, with a history of data and trends spanning over 30 years. The survey looks at a wide range of issues including UK sales and orders, export sales and orders, employment prospects, investment, recruitment difficulties, cash flow, confidence and price pressures.
Local results are fed into the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) to formulate national economic indicators per quarter. As the largest satisitcal private buisness survey, it is used by key organisations such as the Treasury, the Bank of England, the Office of Budget Responsibility and the IMF.
2024 Reports
QES Q2 2024
In partnership with Worcestershire County Council
QES Q3 2024
In partnership with Worcestershire County Council
QES Q4 2024
In partnership with Worcestershire County Council
QES Q1 2025
In partnership with Worcestershire County Council
2023 Reports
QES Q1 2023
In partnership with Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership
QES Q2 2023
In partnership with The Development Manager Ltd
QES Q3 2023
In partnership with Worcestershire County Council
QES Q4 2023
In partnership with Worcestershire County Council
Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Sponsorship
Align your brand with a report which will be used to engage with MPs, key stakeholders and the wider business community. Position your brand with the most up-to-date thought leadership in the two counties.
BCC POLICY REPORTS
Our expert business support is concentrated in five core areas: Global Britain, People and Work, Local Economy of the Future, Green Innovation, and Digital Revolution.
These areas have been carefully selected based on our unparalleled insight into British and global business communities. Regardless of your sector, size, or location, we strive to address your diverse needs in the modern business landscape.
Businesses trust us to be their advocates, and we’re passionate about helping them trade and grow.
PEOPLE AND WORK
BOOSTING SKILLS: JOURNEY THROUGH EDUCATION AND WORK
To grow our economy we need more skilled, engaged and motivated people to contribute to the workforce in every part of the UK. In recent years, however, we have had record levels of job vacancies. Employers have experienced a shortage of job candidates and a mismatch of skills on offer. It’s had a damaging impact on firms’ ability to fulfil order books, take on new work and operate profitably.
LOCAL ECONOMY OF THE FUTURE
A BUSINESS-LED PLAN FOR THRIVING COMMUNITIES
Businesses play a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of the UK, and their impact extends far beyond the national level. Local economic development is an essential facet of a thriving society, and businesses are integral to its success.Their role is more than simply the generation of profits; it encompasses a commitment to the well-being and growth of the communities in which they operate.
GREEN INNOVATION
BUILDING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES FOR UK BUSINESSES
The UK has the potential to lead the world in green innovation. We have a strong economic base, and a legal and policy framework designed to ensure we reach net zero emissions by 2050.
To reach those targets and address our shared environmental challenges, businesses must play a leadership role.
GLOBAL BRITAIN
ACCELERATING GROWTH: DRIVING TRADE AND INWARD INVESTMENT
How does Global Britain present itself on the international stage? In considering this question we have heard from many about a long-term optimism, but juxtaposed with short-term anxieties. This is a great country. And with it a great belief in our cultural capital, our talent, our institutions and our capacity for innovation.
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
NAVIGATING OUR DIGITAL FUTURE
The digital revolution opens a wealth of opportunities for UK businesses of all shapes and sizes. This report outlines a clear roadmap for action from policymakers across a series of interconnected areas. Without better broadband and wireless connectivity – and improved cyber security – businesses will not be able to engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI). In short, businesses want to be connected, secure and dynamic.
BOOSTING OPPORTUNITY AND REALISING POTENTIAL
WORKPLACE EQUITY COMMISSION
During the past year, the Workplace Equity Commission has sought to understand the challenges and opportunities for SME employers in creating equitable workplaces. SMEs, in general, are less likely to have introduced or progressed strategies and interventions to break down barriers in the workplace. We have looked for best practice that can be scaled-up across business communities and where additional support and guidance could help to overcome challenges.
This report is just the start and there is much more for business and government to do. We need to shift the dial on workplace equity and remove barriers for all underrepresented groups in the workforce.
A NEW DECADE OF PROGRESS FOR UK TRADE
TRADE STRATEGY MANIFESTO
The Trade Strategy Manifesto sets out 29 recommendations across six areas – economic diplomacy, imports and supply chains, trade agreements, green trade, digital trade and export support.
It sets out vital action the government should take to boost exports, and encourage inward investment, in a rapidly changing geo-political landscape.
It identifies how the UK can protect and grow its trade profile in a world of increased tariffs and protectionism, where the US, China and EU all loom large.