Congratulations to our Winner of Winners | Driving International Trade Conference and more…
THIS WEEK
Your highlights for the next seven days
And the Winner of Winners is…
On Wednesday 20 November, at the iconic London Stock Exchange, we had the privilege of announcing the Winner of Winners for the 2024 Chamber Business Awards.
Congratulations to The Green Estate Community Interest Company, a Sheffield-based social enterprise company who create sustainable and resilient urban spaces across the UK that support both nature and people.
This prestigious event also celebrated all our National Winners, who were presented with their certificates in recognition of their achievements.
QES Q4 2024 fieldwork
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)
Driving International Trade Conference - open for applications!
On Thursday 20 March 2025, our inaugural Driving International Trade Conference will take place 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 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.
GLOBAL BRITAIN
BCC Trade Update - International Trade Week
UK trade data and economic developments: UK trade data for September was released last Friday, showing another double-digit drop in goods exports. Over the quarter, goods exports declined by over 2%, with only a modest rise in services trade. The BCC issued comments on the data, highlighting key trends and implications for UK exporters.
BCC meets with EU Unit to discuss trade priorities: This week, the BCC had the first of new regular meetings with the EU Unit at the Department for Business and Trade. The discussion focused on priorities for easing trade in goods and services between the UK
and EU.UK-Gulf Co-operation Council trade negotiations progressing: This week, the BCC was briefed on the latest developments in the UK-Gulf Co-operation Council trade negotiations. Both sides have agreed on key text, and negotiations are proceeding at pace.
UK-India trade negotiations to resume in 2025: The Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds MP, announced that UK trade negotiations with India will restart in the New Year.
Upcoming deadlines for trade strategy and China audit submissions: Submissions for the UK government’s Trade Strategy are due by mid-January, while contributions for the China Audit must be submitted by the end of next week. Please send any inputs for the BCC submissions to William Bain.
Next Trade Policy Committee meeting: Taking place on Wednesday, 27 November at 14:00 (UK time), the meeting 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.
Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, DL appointed Chair of ICC UK
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) has announced the appointment of Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, DL as the new Chair of ICC UK, effective 1 January 2025.
He takes over from Paul Drechsler CBE who was praised for his outstanding leadership and dedication over the past four years in the role and the seven years he served as a board member. Paul’s tenure was pivotal in positioning ICC as a trusted voice on the international stage, navigating challenges such as Brexit and the global pandemic.
Click here to see a video from Lord Bilimoria introducing himself and outlining his vision for
the ICC.
Want to know more about the Merchants of Peace Foundation?
The Merchants of Peace Foundation harnesses business leadership to advance universal economic security, aligning with ICC’s mission of global peace and prosperity. It supports high-impact initiatives promoting market-based prosperity in underserved communities.
The Foundation’s first project, in partnership with ICC Dispute Resolution Services, uses technology to aid small businesses with unresolved disputes. Pilot grants for women entrepreneurs in Kenya, India, and Nepal refine its strategy. Collaboration with ICC Chambers and national committees is key to identifying and implementing impactful initiatives globally.
If you would like to find out more about the Foundation, please contact Grace Atkinson.
PEOPLE AND WORK
Empowering Managers to Overcome Workforce Challenges
Equipping managers with strong coaching skills is more crucial than ever in tackling today’s workforce challenges.
Equipping managers with strong coaching skills is more crucial than ever in tackling today’s workforce challenges. This free online coaching summit is designed to empower managers and discover fresh workforce development opportunities.
The session will provide practical strategies and case studies to develop coaching skills and address workforce challenges.
The event is presented by the Strategic Development Network in partnership with Amazon, the NHS and the Association of Apprentices. Please share with your members as relevant.
TPR's winter seasonal worker messaging
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) reminds employers hiring short-term winter staff with irregular hours or incomes to comply with legal automatic enrolment (AE) pension duties.
Click here to read the guidance on employing seasonal or temporary staff and the guidance on supporting clients with their seasonal or temporary staff automatic enrolment duties.
Download their content toolkit which includes articles, suggested social media posts and supporting imagery for sharing with your member businesses.
LOCAL ECONOMY OF THE FUTURE
Business Outlook Survey 2025
The BCC’s first thematic survey of the year will be the Business Outlook Survey, taking place from Monday 13 January - Friday 7 February 2025.
This survey will look at the top issues businesses face, including employment and tax policy changes, barriers to growth, as well as their general outlook for the year.
Contact Stuart Morrison with any questions.
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
Chamber Business Awards 2024 highlights
The Chamber Business Awards 2024 celebrated outstanding companies delivering critical industry solutions. The final presentation ceremony, held on Wednesday 20 November at the London Stock Exchange, was opened by BCC Director General, Shevaun Haviland.
Cokebusters Ltd won the Digital Revolution Business of the Year, sponsored by HP LIFE, with leaders James Phipps and Nick Bettley accepting the award.
Congratulations to Green Estate CIC who were crowned the 2024 Winner of Winners!
HPLIFE, in partnership with Intel, addresses SME skills gaps with its free future-ready program. Find out more here.
A reminder that Chamber members can save up to 20% on HP products until December 2024.
Contact Mander Thiara for details.
Chamber Digital and Innovation Group meeting
Tuesday 3 December 15:00 (UK time)
The Chamber Digital and Innovation Group is an opportunity for Chamber staff to discuss developments in digital and innovation policy from the UK government. It also provides a forum for any views or concerns on topics such as broadband, wireless connectivity, cyber security, digital skills, digital infrastructure and AI. This feedback plays an important role in supporting the BCC's policy work in this area.
If you would like to attend the next virtual meeting on Tuesday 3 December, please contact Ben Martin.
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.
Along with insights from high-level expert speakers, attendees will enjoy a two-course lunch and refreshments on the historic House of Lords Terrace.
Tickets will be on sale in early 2025.
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.
