Chambers News

Farming Charity launches new resilience checklist

The Farming Community Network (FCN) has introduced the Greenzone Checklist, a valuable resource designed to enhance both business and personal resilience for farmers and farm businesses. This checklist assists in identifying strengths and areas where additional information or support may be beneficial.

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10 Downing Street Dorchester Chamber

Government to deliver new plans to Make Work Pay

British workers are set for better working conditions as the Government takes its first steps towards its Plan to Make Work Pay. The Deputy Prime Minister and Business Secretary convened a meeting with trade unions and business leaders in a first-of-its-kind meeting on 14 August.

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Inflation up as the ecomony grows

It has been a week of financial numbers for members to digest with inflation and UK economy growth both rising.

The 0.6% expansion in the UK economy during Q2 2024 signals a positive trajectory, reaffirming its recovery from the previous recession. This was widely expected and the markets have reacted positively.

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Small businesses struggling to embrace AI

The majority of SMEs are still not using artificial intelligence, despite a growing acceptance by businesses that it will help boost productivity. Steve Bulley, President of Dorchester Chamber for Business, said: “The adoption of AI is not just a trend, but a strategic investment that can spur efficiency, innovation, and growth. It’s time for SMEs to overcome barriers and harness the power of AI or be left behind.”

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The state of the public finances summary

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP, has made a statement to the House of Commons about the state of public finances this week. Dorchester Chamber for Business President Steve Bulley summaries what we heard in this article.

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Electric bike hire coming to Dorchester

It’s been announced  by Dorset Council that it has finalised a contract with Beryl Bikes for the introduction and management of a bicycle hire scheme covering Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland.
Locations for the bicycle stands are still being worked on and an exact ‘go live’ date we will be announced soon.

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HMRC launches VAT registration estimator

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has launched a digital tool to help businesses estimate what registering for VAT may mean for them.

The VAT Registration Estimator has been developed after feedback from small businesses suggested an online tool would be helpful to show when their turnover could require businesses to register for VAT and its effect on profits.

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Chancellor unveils a new era for economic growth

The Chancellor has promised to take immediate action to fix the foundations of the economy, rebuild Britain and make every part of the country​ better off. She pledged to leaders of some of the UK’s pioneering industries to build growth on strong and secure foundations built on stability, investment and reform, and forged through a new partnership with the private sector.

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Leasehold reforms become law

Homeowners will receive more rights, power and protections over their homes under the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act.
The Act will make it easier and cheaper for leaseholders to buy their freehold, increase standard lease extension terms to 990 years for houses and flats, and provide greater transparency over service charges

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