Post General Election summary
Following the results of the general election last Friday, the BCC team has put together a pack to support Chambers including:
Please note that the gird of ministerial appointments is a live document and an updated version will be shared once further appointments are confirmed.
This week, the team is sending letters of welcome on behalf of the Chamber Network to new Ministers outlining our policy priorities for the next administration.
As and when new UK Ministerial appointments are made, the BCC Public Affairs team would appreciate any background information on your relationship with the MP to assist our relationship building.
Please contact Adam Szpala or Emily Wood with any queries.
Sign up for your FREE ICC membership benefits
Did you know that your Chamber is automatically entitled to International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) membership benefits?
Through the BCC’s membership of ICC United Kingdom and the ICC World Chambers Federation (WCF), UK Chambers of Commerce are entitled to a range of ICC and WCF membership benefits, at no extra cost. Click here to find out more.
Our agreement also gives Chambers the opportunity to attend a range of forums and events. Contact Hayley McCausland to sign up your Chamber for free ICC United Kingdom affiliate membership.
Public Affairs Update
BCC engagements for this week included:
Our Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, met with the German Embassy team.
BCC President, Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE attended the inaugural speech given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP.
Baroness Lane Fox also attended an introductory call with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds MP.
BCC Chair, Sarah Howard MBE, attended an introductory call with the Minister of State for Skills.
This week, Sarah also attended a roundtable meeting with Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds MP.
Our Deputy Director of Public Policy, Jane Gratton spoke at theLearning and Work Institute Conference in Birmingham.
Also this week, Jane spoke at a Campaign for Learning event.
Contact Emily Wood with any queries about our recent engagements.
PEOPLE AND WORK
Automatic enrolment - seasonal workers
The Pension Regulator is reminding employers that if they employ temporary or seasonal staff over the summer, they must ensure they are complying with their legal automatic enrolment pensions duties.
Seasonal or temporary staff must be assessed individually every time they are paid, including staff who work for a few days, a few weeks or several months.
Click here to read guidance on employing seasonal or temporary staff.
Download a content toolkit including articles, suggested social media posts and supporting imagery. Please share with your members as relevant.
DIGITAL REVOLUTION
Skills Imperative 2035
With change just around the corner, business owners want to know more about future work trends and how to gain the knowledge and tools to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
HP LIFE is a free business-skills training program that can equip businesses with key information to help them thrive in this new digital era. Click here to see more information on products, solutions and HP LIFE
Hundreds of thousands of people across the world have used HP LIFE to learn in-demand skills and core business concepts.
5 Million+ online courses taken in eight languages.
3 Million+ new learners since 2016.
200+ countries and territories all over the world.
HP in partnership with Intel is supporting the 2024 Chamber Business Awards to recognise businesses that are excelling in the digital revolution.
GLOBAL BRITAIN
Rebuilding Ukraine Together: Seeking UK Energy equipment and Services
An increase of Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since March 2024 has hit Ukraine’s, already impacted, energy system hard. Ukraine and its allies are rallying to restore capacity before winter.
Ukraine's Ministry of Energy has shared details of the equipment urgently needed. Please circulate with your members as relevant. If they have any of the required equipment or similar equipment (old or new), please ask them to complete this online form by COP today.
The aim is to create a database of potential suppliers of items/services needed by Ukrainian energy companies. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will then directly engage major procurement agencies with an overview of UK industry's potential support.
One of the main source of funds for energy procurement is the Ukraine Energy Support Fund. DBT is hosting a workshop on Wednesday 17 July to promote the fund, procurement opportunities and processes. Click here to register and share with your members as relevant.
If you have any questions, contact the Ukraine Reconstruction team.
BCC Trade Policy Committee Trade Update
UK trade data for May 2024 was released by the Office for National Statistics this week. Export performance in goods showed a decline, only partially offset by improved services trade exports and imports. Click here to read our analysis of the data.
The BCC met with the German Embassy Economic and Trade Counsellor to discuss how the EU-UK trading relationship could be strengthened as well as other trade policy issues.
The BCC had a regular catch up with the EU Mission to the UK this week.
A reminder that the next virtual meeting of the BCC Trade Policy Committee will take place onTuesday 23 July at 14:00 (UK time). If you would like to attend this call, please contact William Bain for further information and joining details.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Unlocking Global Markets: Mastering International Trade and E-commerce
Tuesday 16 July
11:00 (UK time)
Webinar
Are you ready to expand your business beyond the UK's borders? Dive into the dynamic world of international trade and e-commerce with our expert-led webinar designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the global marketplace.
Discover how to leverage e-commerce to reach international customers, understand the latest trends and opportunities in international trade and get your questions answered by our panel of experts.
This event is supported by DHL.
UK tech mission to Hong Kong
21 – 25 October 2024
Are you a tech founder looking to enter the Asia Pacific market?
Global Tech Advocates and The British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong are organising a Tech Founder delegation to Hong Kong.
Network with your Tech Founder peers, meet investors, prospects and partners, and tour Hong Kong’s exciting tech cluster hubs. Please share with your members as relevant.
There are two webinars taking place on Thursday 1 August and Monday 2 September for delegates to learn more about the trade mission.
