Business Growth & Development, Economic Growth, Skills Development 8 October 2026
Cost pressures and skills shortages continue to weigh on business confidence across the region
New Q3 2026 Quarterly Economic Survey shows businesses remain resilient, but high costs, recruitment difficulties and softer demand are holding back growth
Businesses across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Stamford remain resilient but cautious as persistent cost pressures, skills shortages and uncertainty over demand continue to affect investment, recruitment and growth, according to the latest Quarterly Economic Survey from Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce.
Economic Growth 2 October 2026
Stubbornly high Government borrowing means stark choices ahead in the Budget
Public sector net borrowing of £18.3 billion in August provides another reminder of the fiscal straightjacket facing the Government ahead of the 28 October Budget.
Borrowing remains stubbornly high despite the fact the UK already has an historically heavy tax burden. Taxes will absorb around 37% of national income by the end of this financial year and, based on OBR forecasts, will reach a record 38.5% by 2030/31. The last time the tax burden was this high was in the early 1980s, while today’s overall tax receipts are among the highest seen the late 1940’s.
Economic Growth 30 September 2026
Chancellor’s Budget Must Back Business
Responding to Chancellor, John Healey’s, speech at the Labour Party Conference, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“This was a significant speech. The Chancellor clearly recognised the importance of business in creating the UK’s wealth and that cutting their costs is key to achieving that.
Economic Growth, International 30 September 2026
Some Encouraging Signs for Business in PM’s Speech
Responding to Andy Burnham’s speech at the Labour Party Conference, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said.
“This was a powerful speech in which the Prime Minister took a long-term view and signalled a willingness to make tough choices.
“He gave business some encouraging signals that his government will avoid adding to the cost of doing business.
Economic Growth 28 September 2026
Can a founder take the know-how with them?
A founder who leaves a business does not have to forget what they have learnt while building it. Their experience, market knowledge and general skills go with them. The difficulty comes with information that belongs to the business rather than simply forming part of somebody’s experience.
Economic Growth 21 September 2026
‘Polarisation in bookings this year as larger events grow larger while smaller meetings continue to decline’
“The trend for fewer small events is still there to see, but larger programmes are growing larger and are happy to spend on additions and upgrades. This is likely to continue.”
Richard Smith, Chief Commercial Officer of Wyboston Lakes Resort captured the overriding view of the Resort’s Senior Leadership Team when they recently reviewed trends in the first half year and forward prospects in the UK meetings and events market.
Economic Growth 20 September 2026
Business Crucial To Burnham’s Devolution Next Steps
New BCC report calls for businesses to have a stronger voice in devolution. Report says economic growth and improved living standards must be the test of devolution success. The BCC outlines a three-stage roadmap to give local areas a bigger stake in economic success. Next month’s Budget should outline plans to put businesses at […]
Economic Growth 17 September 2026
Moneycorp Currency Insights – September 2026
Welcome to the Moneycorp Currency Insights for September, as markets move into one of the most significant central bank months of the year, with policy decisions from the ECB, Federal Reserve and Bank of England all scheduled within a seven-day period. Recent moves in energy prices, inflation expectations and interest rate pricing mean that currency volatility could increase markedly over the coming weeks.
The Bank of England currently holds Bank Rate at 3.75%, the Federal Reserve remains at 3.50%-3.75%, and the ECB’s deposit rate stands at 2.25% following its June hike and July pause. Markets are increasingly focused on whether the ECB tightens again on 10 September, while the Fed’s 15-16 September meeting remains finely balanced between another hold and a more hawkish policy response should inflation prove persistent. The BoE follows shortly after on 17 September.
Economic Growth 11 September 2026
Second Term Ballot Result
Peterborough Positive has secured an overwhelming vote of confidence from city centre businesses, with 94% voting in favour by rateable value, securing the Business Improvement District (BID) for a second five-year term.
The result, along with an impressive 60% turnout, represents a standout performance within the BID sector, exceeding the average turnout achieved in second, third, fourth and even fifth-term BID ballots nationally.