BCC: Weekly Update
THIS WEEK
Your highlights for the next seven days
Open for applications now!
On Thursday 20 March 2025, we will be hosting our inaugural Driving International Trade Conference in Central London. This exclusive, free-to-attend event is designed for C-suite leaders who are focused on expanding their international reach and navigating the complexities of global trade.
Please share this opportunity with your members and ask them to complete this expression of interest form. Eligible businesses will then be sent a registration link.
Download this marketing toolkit to help you promote the event with your members including an outline of the criteria, so you know who in your membership may be suitable. If you have any questions, contact the BCC events team.
QES Q4 launched this week
A reminder that the dates for Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) Q4 are as follows:
Fieldwork started: Monday 11 November
Fieldwork ends and local data sent to BCC: Monday 9 December
Publication: w/c 6 January (subject to external factors)
QES receives widespread local, national and international press coverage, and is briefed extensively across the UK government and the Bank of England. Thank you for your participation in the research, the UK’s largest and most important private sector business survey. Forward your completed data to Stuart Morrison by Monday 9 December.
Please note that the dates QES for Q1 2025 are as follows:
Fieldwork starts: 10 February
Fieldwork ends and local data sent to BCC by: 10 March
Publication: w/c 31 March (TBC)
GLOBAL BRITAIN
BCC Trade Update - International Trade Week
Read our Trade Strategy insights: BCC’s Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, shares thought leadership for International Trade Week on how the forthcoming Trade Strategy can boost UK trade.
Policy roundtable on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP): The BCC engaged in discussions with the Chief UK Negotiator on CPTPP and South Korea, Matthew Davies, raising key issues on export support and the role of SMEs in Asia-Pacific markets.
Webinar on CPTPP Implementation: Our recent webinar with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) focused on CPTPP, which will come into force on Sunday 15 December for the UK with 8 countries in Asia-Pacific.
Sea freight disruption Impact: In our latest survey, 50% of firms reported disruptions in Middle East sea freight routes, highlighting ongoing challenges for UK exporters.
Trade and customs discussions: The BCC participated in the Domestic Advisory Group’s Trade and Customs sub-group, addressing issues like rules of origin and EU exports. Our new insights release reveals ongoing barriers in customs procedures for UK goods exports.
Trade oppportunities in Southern Africa: During a discussion hosted by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI), the BCC explored key issues such as supply chains, critical minerals, e-commerce, and UK services links.
Upcoming Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS): The Home Office briefed the BCC on the rollout of FIRS in 2025, potentially impacting trade with several countries. We will consult with members once the guidance is released.
Submission to Economic Diplomacy Review: The BCC contributed to Sir Martin Donnelly’s review for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, focusing on the opportunities to better support UK exports in key markets, and securing inward investment.
China Trade engagement: William Bain joined a roundtable on the UK’s trade links with China as part of the government’s China Audit. Updates will be shared during this month’s BCC Trade Policy Committee meeting.
UK-US Trade policy outlook: Geopolitical uncertainty is a consideration that exporters must take into account in their commercial decisions. As we await the trade policies of the incoming US Administration in January, read our comments in the Telegraph on UK-US trade.
Change of date for Trade Policy Committee meeting: The meeting is now scheduled for Wednesday, 27 November at 14:00 (UK time). It will cover updates on EU, US, and Asia-Pacific trade. Contact William Bain to join the meeting.
Free webinar for you and your member businesses
Unlocking Trade: Latest insights and analysis from the BCC
Thursday 12 December
08:30 - 09:30 or 15:30 - 16:30 (UK time)
Chambers and your member businesses are invited to join our exclusive webinar led by BCC’s David Bharier, Head of Research and William Bain, Head of Trade Policy.
The session will dive into the latest macro trends identified in our Trade Survey research and attendees will gain in-depth insights into BCC’s latest trade policies and analysis, arming you with valuable information for navigating today’s trade landscape.
To accommodate our international colleagues, this webinar will be held twice, offering attendees from different time zones the flexibility to join. Each session will cover the same agenda, so please register for the time that suits best.
Re-imagining the Future of Trade event
Thursday 5 December
15:00 to 19:00 (UK time)
Clifford Chance, 10 Upper Bank St, London E14 5JJ
ICC UK invite you to join Re-imagining the Future of Trade. This event is a unique opportunity to engage with industry, government, and institutional leaders who will share insights on scaling the benefits of trade digitalisation.
Highlights of the event include:
The formal launch of the International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation.
Unveiling the ICC Roadmap to Digitalise UK Trade.
Introduction of the ICC 'Getting Started on Digitalising Trade Transactions' guide tailored for SMEs.
Introduction of the ICC Directory of Solution Providers.
Presentation of a thought leadership paper addressing key opportunities for trade simplification.
PEOPLE AND WORK
Final call for evidence for the Curriculum and Assessment Review
The government’s expert-led Curriculum and Assessment review call for evidence closes next Friday 22 November.
This is your chance to provide your views on questions such as:
How much do schools help pupils get the skills they need for life and to carry on studying?
Are there any skills or subjects that all learners need to get ready for life and work?BCC welcomes your views on what is currently working and what could be improved. We will prioritise literacy, numeracy and digital skills, as well as improved careers guidance from primary schools.
You can either submit your views directly or feed into the BCC’s response by contacting Hannah Larsen by COP on Monday 18 November.
This event is supported by DHL.
Employer Excellence in Careers Education Seminar
Friday 22 November
10:30 - 12:00 (UK time)
Live streamed from The Wellcome Collection
Hosted by The Careers & Enterprise Company, this seminar explores how employers can address skills needs early to scale and sustain growth in their businesses.
Chaired by Peter Cheese (CIPD CEO), BCC's Deputy Director of Public Policy, Jane Gratton, will join a panel with other experts from Capital College Group, AND Digital, Flannery Plant Hire, and NHS England.
Discussion will focus on how employers can develop young people’s skills, including through modern work experience, and help them transition from education to employment, collectively exploring the question:
How can employers develop the skills and work readiness of young people to unlock growth?
GREEN INNOVATION
COP29 continues - join our Green Innovation Campaign
COP29 is in full swing and our Chamber Network programme kicked off yesterday. Take a look at some of the updates on BCC Twitter and LinkedIn. Between now and Friday 22 November we’re are running a social media campaign to:
showcase Chambers leading in green innovation.
promote Chambers and delegations attending COP29.
highlight Chamber members advancing green initiatives.
You’re invited to participate through our 'Member in the Spotlight' and COP29 campaign toolkits below. These assets are available on Canva so that you can add your Chamber logo and edit details as relevant.
Morocco Investor Mission
Taking place from Monday 2 - Thursday 5 December, the Morocco Investor Mission presents a valuable chance for UK businesses in green energy and infrastructure sectors to connect with Moroccan and African leaders.
This event, coordinated by Invest Africa and held in Casablanca and Rabat, aligns with Morocco’s 2030 investment goals. UK businesses are invited to register via Invest Africa’s event page.
For further details, reach out directly to Karim Benhaddou. Download the draft programme here.
LOCAL ECONOMY OF THE FUTURE
Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy
The UK government’s Industrial Strategy green paper was published on Monday 14 October, to tie in with its Investment Summit.
Now that the document has been published, the BCC team is seeking views and responses from the Chamber Network.
A final reminder to please share any thoughts by COP today, Friday 15 November with Jonny Haseldine or the BCC policy team.
New Insight on the UK Manufacturing Sector
Caterina Batog, BCC’s Research and Economics Analyst, has written an analysis on the current state and future outlook of the UK manufacturing industry.
The blog, featured in Elite Business explores key challenges and emerging trends shaping the sector. The twin shocks of Covid-19 and Brexit have caused substantial disruption to supply chains, increasing raw material costs and depressing business sentiment. These have been tough times, but the sector has also proven resilient, especially as the UK still has some of the most innovative and agile producers in the world.
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
Changing the face of the UK workforce
What are the future trends of work and how can I equip myself with the knowledge and tools to thrive in an increasingly digital world?
Skilled workers boost productivity by efficiently utilising advanced technologies and processes, reducing production times and waste. They also drive innovation by developing new products, services, and processes, benefiting both businesses and the economy.
This course was jointly developed by HP Inc. Digital and Transformation Organisation and HP LIFE and participants will:
learn about the digital economy, covering fundamentals and key drivers.
discover five digital ways of working essential to business transformation.
explore key digital practices and tools that improve outcomes.
recognise skills necessary to succeed in the digital era.
For more information, contact Mander Thiara.
UPCOMING EVENTS
BCC Trade Facilitation Forum
Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February 2025
Burlington Hotel, Birmingham
The event is open to all Chamber staff both from the UK and the international network that are involved in any way with international trade.
Further details will be shared shortly. Contact Paul Wrighting with any queries in the meantime.
BCC President's Lunch
Thursday 15 May 2025
12:15 – 14:30 (UK time)
Cholmondeley Room & Terrace, House of Lords, Parliament Sq, London SW1A 0PW
Chamber CEOs and board members are invited to attend the 2025 President’s Lunch, hosted by BCC President, Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE, at the House of Lords.
This exclusive event is designed to bring together colleagues from across our global Chamber community, offering a unique chance to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate our shared achievements. Along with insights from high-level expert speakers, attendees will enjoy a two-course lunch and refreshments on the historic House of Lords Terrace.
Please note that tickets are limited to four per Chamber. Tickets will be on sale in early 2025 and further details will be shared soon.
Global Annual Conference 2025
Join us on Thursday 26 June 2025, at the QEII Centre, London, for a day packed with thought-provoking discussions, inspiring keynote speakers, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
The host of the conference will be multi-award-winning journalist Clive Myrie. Clive is one of the best known and most experienced foreign correspondents and TV news presenters.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your members to what promises to be our biggest and most dynamic conference yet. Be sure to spread the word, mark your calendar and keep an eye out for further information on our agenda and speakers.
