This full day conference will be an opportunity for business leaders from across the UK, and the globe, to come together to discuss the opportunities for growth to help local communities thrive.

Throughout the day, delegates will hear from key senior politicians and other notable public-figures about their plans for growth. The conference will be centred around four key breakout sessions for thought-provoking discussion amongst peers across the Chamber Network. The four sessions are:

• Skills
• Green Innovation
• Growth / Local Thriving Communities
• Trade

Away from the sessions, the Networking Zone is an opportunity for delegates to meet existing and new contacts; and the exhibition stands will see the best of British business, and the Chamber Network, from across the UK and around the world showcasing their work.

BCC welcomes proposals for new protocol agreement

Reacting to news of a proposed agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "The BCC has long been calling for a negotiated solution to the trading difficulties caused by the initial version of the protocol.

“Businesses in both Northern Ireland and Great Britain have been calling for a considerable reduction in checks and documentary requirements to move everyday goods across the Irish Sea. We will be closely considering the legal texts and their full implications, but this appears to be a positive step toward achieving this goal.

“The Green Lane proposal should offer a green light to future prosperity in Northern Ireland. But more broadly businesses in the UK will welcome the potential for stabilising relations with the EU.

“There is now the potential to move to a new phase of co-operation on trade, regulation, climate, migration and supply chain issues. With the UK economy teetering on the cusp of a recession this could help drive growth for both Northern Ireland and the UK more widely.

“We hope the UK Government, EU member state governments, and the EU institutions will seize this opportunity to improve our relationships, cut costs and remove red tape for exporting businesses."

North America Roadshow

Are you interested in exporting to North America?

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) North America team are visiting 12 cities across the UK until Friday 10 March, to help businesses understand the opportunities in Canada and the USA.

The roadshow sessions will provide key information to help businesses on their export journey. See details here.

How Foreign Exchange can save you money

Something often overlooked is saving money through your foreign exchange provision. This can be a smart way to save money quickly without cutting back on other areas of your business.

Chamber Foreign Exchange provider Moneycorp provide five ways that looking at your foreign exchange provision can help you cut costs in 2023. 

You can view the full list of all our courses on the Chamber website.

Courses can also be tailored to meet your company’s specific requirements. For more information about a bespoke course for your company, which can be delivered remotely or in person, please contact the Chamber on 01223 237414.

Last week, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) took part in the latest UK government meetings on UKCA/CE marking. The key stakeholders favour continuity of existing easements to permit CE marked goods to be sold in the UK market beyond the end of 2024. If you have views on this please let Karen Cash know.