BCC Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker: most firms can be ready for ‘restart’ within three weeks

Results from the latest BCC Coronavirus Business Impact Tracker reveal the vast majority of firms surveyed say they will require three weeks or less to prepare to restart operations alongside any loosening of the UK lockdown.  Smaller businesses may be able to restart operations more quickly. Almost two-thirds (64 per…

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French Duncan helps companies access over £10 million in Coronavirus support

Leading accountants and business advisors French Duncan LLP have so far helped hundreds of firms navigate their way through the Coronavirus period. The firm has already submitted client claims that total over £2.5 million in furlough payments, nearly £5 million in Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans and almost £4 million in…

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Scotland’s industrial and logistics market in good shape despite pandemic, according to Colliers International’s latest research

Glasgow, 5 May 2020 – Scotland’s industrial and logistics commercial property market was in good shape before the COVID-19 lockdown and should recover when some normality returns, according to a new survey. The latest industrial and logistics research from property and investment firm Colliers International on the first quarter of…

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BCC comments on start of formal UK/US trade negotiations

Commenting on the news that the UK and US are to open formal negotiations on a future free trade agreement, BCC Director General Adam Marshall, said: “While most UK businesses will be focusing on the immediate challenge posed by Coronavirus, strong trading arrangements with both the European Union and USA…

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College patron Karen gives student tips on making it in the Film Industry

Scottish actor Karen Gillan has given a group of Edinburgh College’s Performing Arts students a boost during an online question and answer session, giving tips on how to make it in the TV and Film industry. Inverness-born Karen, who was announced as the patron of Edinburgh College’s Performing Arts Studio…

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CICV Forum infographic offers key to understanding essential work

A new infographic aims to provide greater clarity over essential work and help the public understand exactly what construction projects key workers can carry out. The infographic was developed by the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum after key workers reported being harassed and verbally abused during vital construction projects. Forum…

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Brodies maintains strategic focus with promotions and appointments adding eight new partners

Leading Scottish and top 50* UK law firm, Brodies LLP, announces eight new partners in its latest round of promotions and appointments.  Kate McLeish and Karren Smith become partners in real estate; Andy Nolan is made up to partner in the firm’s corporate and commercial practice; while banking lawyer, Jack…

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BCC responds to announcement of a discretionary fund for small businesses

Commenting on the government’s announcement today (2 May) of a discretionary fund for small businesses that have previously been outside the scope of the business grant funds scheme, BCC Director General Dr Adam Marshall said: “We have been calling for additional support for businesses and entrepreneurs who have fallen between…

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Forum welcomes support for Conflict Avoidance Pledge

The Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has welcomed the news that the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is backing the new Conflict Avoidance Pledge. The CLC this week announced their support for the pledge, which sees clients and contractors committing to implementing conflict avoidance measures in their contracts and on site.…

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British Chambers of Commerce President, Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, has written an open letter to the Prime Minister setting out principles for a phased restart of the UK economy.

Dear Prime Minister, The coronavirus pandemic has been a seismic shock to the UK and global economy. It is an unprecedented situation in both scale and impact. What we now understand is that we will not be going back to “business as usual” any time soon. First, we will have to learn…

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