BCC Weekly Business Update

News and Events

BCC Engagement

Last week, the BCC team met Robert Halfon MP, Shadow International Trade Secretary Barry Gardiner MP and the Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling. Adam also spoke at Sussex Chamber’s AGM.

The Petty France team also released their latest podcast, discussing the Chamber’s asks from the upcoming Budget.

This week, Adam attends the launch of the Rail Delivery Group's plan for a better railway, the BCC team meet the Chancellor, Business Secretary, Skills Minister and Chair of the International Trade Committee. Adam will also travel to Brussels, and Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber. 

Rail Minister at CEO Roundtable

The next CEO roundtable will take place 7-8 December, which will take place at Mary Ward House.

We are pleased to announce that Paul Maynard MP, Under Secretary of State for Transport, has agreed to speak at the CEO Roundtable. This will be a great opportunity for the network to engage with the minister on key issues concerning rail.

Any CEOs who would like to attend, or have any questions to raise with the minister in their absence, please contact John Hesford. 

Chamber Business Awards

The Chamber Business Awards are only a month away! Please can we ask you to encourage all winners from your region or Chamber to book their tickets for the Gala event on 30 November. Accommodation can book out quickly, and you may wish to consider the Travelodge City Road, Thistle Barbican Hotels, or search the list of hotels suggested by the Brewery. 

Rail Delivery Group Plan

The Rail Delivery Group today launches a plan to improve the railway focusing on how to improve the railway for businesses and consumers. A letter from Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the RDG to Adam Marshall is attached.

National Cyber Security Centre

As a reminder, the National Cyber Security Centre has issued guidance to help small businesses protect themselves online from attacks. Chambers may find it useful to share the infographics and guidance on their websites or social media.

Thriving at Work Report

Last week, the Prime Minister wrote to the BCC for its contribution to the Thriving at Work Report. The independent review into how employers can better support all employees, including those with poor mental health or wellbeing. The key recommendation of the review is that all employers, regardless of size or industry, should adopt six core standards that lay the basic foundations for an approach to workplace mental health.  The report can be found here, and members may wish to discuss and adopt. 

B20 Taskforce

As Argentina prepares to take on the mantle of the G20 Presidency, the B20 taskforce is looking for businesses to shape global policy. The B20 forum gathers business leaders to give their views on the G20 recommendations, and in the process ensuring that G20 governments focus on practical solutions for real world challenges.

The International Chamber of Commerce is asking business leaders across the aerospace, automotive, construction, energy, financial services, food & drink and tech sectors to take part in the B20 taskforces, and raise the profile of the private sector in tackling today’s challenge.More information on taking part in the B20 taskforces can be attained by email.

BCC national media highlights this week

BCC’s Budget Submission was picked up by The Telegraph, Guardian, Sun, Independent, Times, and City AM

BCC’s comments on the UK growth figures for Q3 2017 were used by the Times, Telegraph and Reuters. 

Suren Thiru wrote in City AM about why this isn’t the time for the Bank of England to raise interest rates. 

Coming up

Nov 2 MPC interest rate decision and inflation report 

Nov 22 Autumn Budget 

Nov 30 Chamber Business Awards