All Entries in the "Business" Category
See-saw ride for region’s businesses as inflation hits trade
Businesses in theWest Midlandsare counting on a continued reversal of soaring inflation to improve their fortunes in 2012, according to a new survey. The last quarterly economic survey undertaken by the West Midlands Chamber of Commerce (WMCC) in 2011 reveals a service sector growing at a subdued rate and the manufacturing sector showing signs of [...]
Raising interest rates is not the answer to stimulate growth
West Midland business leaders are urging the Bank of England to keep interest rates on hold, as increasing the rate from its historic low of 0.5 per cent will do little to stimulate the economy. Michael Ward, president of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry said raising interest rates will not counter inflation. He said: [...]
NLA ISSUES ADVICE FOR WOULD-BE LANDLORDS
The National Landlords Association (NLA) has published guidelines for homeowners who are considering becoming a landlord and letting out their home. With the possibility ofUKproperty prices falling by up to 5% in 2012*, many homeowners may consider letting their property as an alternative to selling. A recent NLA survey of landlords found average rental yields are [...]
Inflation still big threat after interest rates standstill – Chamber
Keeping interest rates low is the right thing to do sayWest Midlandbusiness leaders, although it will not help lower inflation which is the biggest concern among the region’s manufacturers. Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group’s (BCCG) latest quarterly economic survey revealed that 23 per cent cited inflation as the major external factor putting pressure on their [...]
HS2 decision ‘fantastic’ but Chamber warns against Parliamentary delay
The decision by the government to go give the green light to HS2 was greeted as “a fantastic day for the West Midlands” by business leaders in Birmingham but warned that the government must introduce legislation to start the project this year. Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group (BCCG), said HS2, [...]
Chamber backs national HS2 campaign
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group (BCCG) was among hundreds of Britain’s economists, business leaders, trade unions, politicians and council leaders who today called for the Government to approve HS2 They were also among the signatories to letters to national and regional papers urging the Government to approve plans for HS2 and to push ahead with [...]
BUSINESS ACUMEN CAN BE TAUGHT: Interview with Sanjeev Ahjua
By Hemisha Morarji. Sanjeev Ahjua is the president of TiE (UK), a charter for entrepreneurs who have either conquered the world or business or are venturing into it with fierce ambitious and ideas aching to be brought to fruition. Sanjeev met up with Asian World newspaper to discuss the young people TiE mentors, why Asians [...]
Glimmer of hope on jobs front as businesses expect tough 2012
Just over half of businesses in the Greater Birmingham area are confident that their fortunes are going to improve in 2012. And the manufacturing sector offers a glimmer of hope on the jobs front, according to the latest survey by Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group (BCCG) on behalf of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local [...]
LANDLORDS URGED TO REPORT RENTS TO LOCAL VALUATION OFFICE
Landlords are being encouraged to report the level of rent on their properties to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to help local authorities determine average market rents in their area. The National Landlords Association (NLA) says it is vital local authorities know what market rents are, so they have accurate statistics on the state of [...]
Retail sales figures show bad news for the high street and extremely positive news for online retailers
Figures from the Office of National Statistics show mixed news for retailers, which show sales figures to be considerably higher than the same period last year but down on October. The value of retail sales in November 2011 showed an increase of 4.6 per cent compared with November 2010. However, overall retail sales have fallen [...]
