Smaller Exporters Struggling To Make Headway

• The proportion of businesses reporting increased export orders sits at 25% in Q1 2026, compared with 31% in Q2 2018    • There is a big split relating to the size of the business, with 23% of SMEs reporting increased orders, compared to 38% of larger firms. •

Solent FutureScape 2026 Delivers a Breakthrough Day for SMEs Embracing AI and Emerging Technology

Hampshire & Solent LSIP, part of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce were delighted to sponsor Solent FutureScape 2026, held in March at the King’s Conference Centre in Hedge End. The event welcomed more than 500 delegates for a full day of demos, panels, fireside chats and

Business Confidence Fragile Going into Global Turmoil

Confidence among firms remained fragile at the start of 2026, despite some small shoots of recovery, according to the UK’s largest business sentiment survey. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey also shows labour costs continued to be the biggest cost concern for

“Ready to work with all our local government partners” Hampshire Chamber’s response to Local Government Reorganisation

The government has announced new unitary councils for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that will provide all services to the people in their areas as part of the biggest shake up to local government. Responding to the biggest shake-up of local government in Hampshire

Hampshire Coming Together – March 2026

Member Offers Special Offer: Day Delegate Package at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel Host your next event in our newly refurbished meeting spaces, with 11 versatile rooms available. We’re also excited to introduce our brand-new Exhibition Space - ideal for events of all kinds, accommodating 2 to 400 guests.

Half of SMEs Using AI – With Limited Headcount Impact So Far

More than half of UK firms (54%) are now actively using AI, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with Atos, showing a major jump in tech adoption. Previous BCC research found that 35% of firms were using AI

First V Levels subjects revealed as part of landmark reforms

First students to do V Levels from 2027 as part of ambitious reforms to post-16 system that will prepare them for future jobs. Young people will be able to take the very first V Levels in education, finance, and digital in 2027, under landmark reforms

Trade Support Gap Leaves Firms Flying Solo

Zero percent of surveyed UK exporters say they have “comprehensive support” from government to manage trade policy changes, according to new research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), in partnership with global standards organisation GS1 UK. The BCC’s Insights Unit surveyed 939 firms –

BCC Economic Forecast: Global Turmoil to Hit Growth and Push Up Inflation

The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) economic forecast suggests slow growth in 2026, higher inflation due to the Middle East crisis, and rising unemployment as the labour market softens. The BCC forecast is the first economic assessment by a business organisation since last week’s

Collaboration and enterprise take centre stage at Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week

Business leaders have hailed the success of the sixth annual Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week organised by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. Over 1,500 delegates attended more than 22 free-of-charge events with a focus on collaboration and achieving growth. Launched at the Queen’s Hotel in

News

Smaller Exporters Struggling To Make Headway

Solent FutureScape 2026 Delivers a Breakthrough Day for SMEs Embracing AI and Emerging Technology

Business Confidence Fragile Going into Global Turmoil

“Ready to work with all our local government partners” Hampshire Chamber’s response to Local Government Reorganisation

Hampshire Coming Together – March 2026

Half of SMEs Using AI – With Limited Headcount Impact So Far

First V Levels subjects revealed as part of landmark reforms

Trade Support Gap Leaves Firms Flying Solo

BCC Economic Forecast: Global Turmoil to Hit Growth and Push Up Inflation

Collaboration and enterprise take centre stage at Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week

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