East Midlands Chamber Archives

Scott Knowles (Credit: East Midlands Chamber)

Data reveals high cost of Iran conflict on Midlands firms

8 out of 10 Midlands businesses have experienced increased costs as a result of the Iran war, according to a survey from four chambers of commerce in the region. Manufacturers have been particularly exposed to rising energy, transport, insurance and raw material costs. East Midlands Chamber, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce surveyed 698 businesses. The four chambers of commerce are calling on Government to recognise the regional impact […]

24 July 2026 7

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

Derby

Inflation easing to 2.6% encouraging for business

The East Midlands Chamber has said pressure on firms will be alleviated slightly as inflation reached its lowest level since March 2025. The latest estimated figure from the Office for National Statistics covers the 12 months to June 2026, down from 2.8% in May. East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “With our Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 of 2026 having shown inflation to be the greatest concern of East Midlands firms and forecasts from economists […]

22 July 2026 11

Derby

Unemployment in the East Midlands drops to summer 2025 level but skills investment needed

The East Midlands Chamber has welcomed a slight fall in the region’s unemployment from 5.6% to 5.2% but said skills support should be prioritised to further reduce the level and get suitable candidates into jobs. The latest estimated figure from the Office for National Statistics for over 16s in the region covers the period between March and May 2026 and is the lowest level since July to September 2025, which was also 5.2%. East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and […]

21 July 2026 11

Derbyshire

Economy grows 0.1% but new Prime Minister must address challenges to support business

The East Midlands Chamber has called on the incoming Prime Minister and political leaders to prioritise greater support for firms in the region to incentivise them to invest to grow, despite a 0.1% lift in GDP for May. The estimated figure published by the Office for National Statistics is a return to growth following a 0.1% contraction in April. East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “Seeing some growth in GDP, especially considering the impact of […]

17 July 2026 14

Derby

UK-India deal brings ‘significant benefit’ to businesses trading internationally

Firms across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire that import or export goods are set to gain as the UK’s new trade deal with India, said to be worth £4.8bn to the UK economy each year comes into force, East Midlands Chamber has said. Head of International Trade Lucy Granger said: “India has proved to be a valuable trading partner for East Midlands importers and exporters and with this deal now active, there’s a tremendous opportunity for those that trade internationally to […]

15 July 2026 25

Derby

Chancellor’s focus on devolution, expanded SME finance and closer EU collaboration welcomed in key speech

The East Midlands Chamber has given its collective reaction to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s annual Mansion House speech, delivered on 14th July. Priorities set out in the Chancellor’s City of London address included: Devolving power to regions of the UK ‘at greater scale’ Closer EU relationship with the ‘prize’ being ‘immense’ The UK-EU summit to be rescheduled ‘as soon as possible’ ‘Embracing the opportunities of AI while guarding against the risks’ Expansion of small business finance East Midlands Chamber Director of […]

15 July 2026 16

News

Chamber responds to Chancellor’s reforms to small business finance

A new package of measures announced to expand small business finance has been cautiously welcomed by East Midlands Chamber. Measures announced include: Growth Guarantee Scheme - expansion to facilitate an additional £2bn of SME lending per year by 2028/29, more than doubling the current annual lending supported by the scheme to around £3.35bn Broader eligibility and longer loan terms - maximum loan term extended from six to 10 years for loans up to £1.1m, and the eligible turnover threshold raised […]

13 July 2026 8

Derby

New steel import tariffs must be addressed by ministers, Chamber tells MPs

East Midlands Chamber has called on the region’s MPs to lobby ministers to take action against imminent changes to steel import tariffs, that the Chamber says could add significant cost and ‘run into millions’ for some importers. From 1st July, tariff-free exemptions on imported steel are set to be reduced by 51% - revised from a level of 60% previously proposed in March - with any imported goods that exceed the quota charged a 50% tariff on the value. The […]

25 June 2026 9

Derby

EU ‘reset’ talks should bring greater clarity over export requirements says Chamber

Marking the 10-year anniversary of the 2016 UK-EU referendum, East Midlands Chamber has renewed its call for anticipated UK Government ‘reset’ talks with the bloc to prioritise improving trade terms to ease the burden on exporters. East Midlands Chamber Head of International Trade Lucy Granger said: “Exporters need to be able to trade with EU countries easily, free of any barriers that hinder trade or create a headache, like unnecessary costs or complex requirements to adhere to. While the expected […]

23 June 2026 11

East Midlands Chamber

Data reveals high cost of Iran conflict on Midlands firms

Inflation easing to 2.6% encouraging for business

Unemployment in the East Midlands drops to summer 2025 level but skills investment needed

Economy grows 0.1% but new Prime Minister must address challenges to support business

UK-India deal brings ‘significant benefit’ to businesses trading internationally

Chancellor’s focus on devolution, expanded SME finance and closer EU collaboration welcomed in key speech

Chamber responds to Chancellor’s reforms to small business finance

New steel import tariffs must be addressed by ministers, Chamber tells MPs

EU ‘reset’ talks should bring greater clarity over export requirements says Chamber

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