Economic Growth 19 August 2026
Businesses Continue to Feel the Inflationary Heat
“Firms continued to feel the heat from inflation last month, with CPI rising to 2.9%, further fuelling the cost of doing business crisis.
“Higher household energy bills fuelled by the Middle East crisis played a significant part in July’s CPI rise, and as the Bank of England has warned, energy is likely to push up inflation further in the coming months. Energy remains a major issue for businesses, who aren’t subject to a price cap.
Economic Growth, Skills Development 19 August 2026
Costs Crisis Hampering Hiring
Reacting to the latest labour market data from the ONS, Patrick Milnes, Head of Policy for People and Work at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Although unemployment has held steady at 4.9%, this cannot hide the wider problems bedeviling the UK’s job market.
“Business confidence is at a post-Pandemic low and the squeeze on firms’ finances shows no signs of easing.
Economic Growth, International 19 August 2026
Defence Investment – A Challenge The UK Cannot Get Wrong
The Autumn Budget will contain a political hand grenade for the new Chancellor John Healey to defuse in the shape of the Defence Investment Plan.
The initial announcement on defence spending at the end of June 2026, left several unresolved funding commitments to be decided at the budget.
The Chancellor previously resigned as Defence Secretary over a lack of funding. He will have no illusions about the size of the hole he must now plug nor why it is so important.
International 19 August 2026
Markets absorb inflation pressures as focus shifts to growth risks
Key takeaways
• UK CPI inflation rises in line with expectations as the latest energy price cap increase feeds through to household bills
• Strong US industrial production data offers little support to the dollar ahead of the latest Fed minutes
• Lane describes Euro Area growth as ‘not too bad’, but tighter policy still poses risks to the outlook
• UAE suspends trade and financial links with Iran as regional tensions escalate
Business Growth & Development 14 August 2026
Harvey Bibby appointed as Vice Chair of Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce
Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the appointment of Harvey Bibby as its new Vice-Chair, strengthening the organisation’s leadership team as it continues its mission to support businesses, champion economic growth, and create opportunities across the region.
Harvey brings more than 25 years of experience in the development, investment, and management of commercial real estate. As Marketing & Development Director at Grovemere Property Limited, he has built an outstanding reputation for delivering strategic growth, fostering partnerships, and supporting thriving business communities. He is also a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Awards, Women in Business 3 August 2026
Cambridgeshire Chamber Team Members Recognised with National British Chambers of Commerce Award Nominations
Two members of the team at Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce have been shortlisted for prestigious national honours at this year’s British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Awards, recognising exceptional leadership and contribution across the UK Chamber Network.
Zoë Brennan, Events and Training Manager, has been named a finalist in the Rising Star Award category, while Chief Executive, Charlotte Horobin has been shortlisted for the President’s Award, recognising outstanding leadership and lasting impact within the Chamber Network and the wider business community.
Economic Growth 30 July 2026
Interest Rate Hold Gives Businesses Much-Needed Stability
Responding to the Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates at 3.75%, Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Engagement Manager, Connor Butler said:
“The Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates is the right one for businesses.
“At 3.75%, rates are already restricting investment. A further increase would have raised borrowing costs, placed additional pressure on cash flow and made it even harder for firms to commit to new equipment, premises and jobs.
Local Skills Improvement Plan, Next Generation, Skills Development 28 July 2026
New technical education pathways set to boost opportunities for young people across Cambridgeshire
Young people across Cambridgeshire could benefit from major reforms to technical education announced by the Prime Minister, giving 14-year-olds earlier access to industry-focused learning, work experience and employer engagement.
The reforms will create prestigious new technical education pathways from Year 10, allowing students to combine core academic subjects with practical skills development linked to local growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, digital technology, AI, construction, health and care.
Defence, Economic Growth 28 July 2026
Chamber joins Defence Cluster partnership
Huntingdonshire District Council has welcomed Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce to the Huntingdonshire Defence Cluster partnership, strengthening support for Project FAIRFAX and economic growth.
The Huntingdonshire Defence Cluster is being developed around the district’s strategic assets, including RAF Wyton, RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth. Together with Project FAIRFAX and the wider North Huntingdon Opportunity Zone, the initiative aims to create a nationally significant centre for defence, intelligence, geospatial technologies, advanced manufacturing and innovation, helping to attract investment, support business growth and create high-skilled employment opportunities.