British Chambers Launches Insights Unit

Business support body the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has announced the launch of an Insights Unit, bringing together its existing research portfolio and aiming to develop 'a broader range of polling and analysis services'.

The organisation has been expanding its offer at a time when the country's employers federation the CBI finds itself grappling with a sexual harassment scandal and has lost high profile companies. The Times newspaper has described the BCC's moves as 'an attempt to usurp the embattled CBI as the leading voice of UK business'. Firms including John Lewis, BMW, Virgin Media O2, Aviva, Zurich and Phoenix Group, Natwest, Mastercard; ITV; Lloyds of London; and EY have left the organisation, as have representative bodies the Association of British Insurers and energy supplier group Energy UK.

The BCC recently launched a new Business Council, and says the Insights Unit will 'provide businesses with best-in-class intelligence on the big strategic issues impacting the UK economy'. The organisation's current rota includes the huge private sector business study the Quarterly Economic Survey; the Quarterly Economic Forecast; and a programme of business surveys aiming to inform the national economic debate.

BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland (pictured) comments: 'Over the last two months, we have set up our expert Economic Advisory Council and developed our Business Council offering as part of the national campaign. The BCC Insights Unit further strengthens the value and power of the BCC for British businesses.

'We know there is significant demand for top class research from businesses looking to gain invaluable insights into consumer trends and opportunities. With the BCC running some of the largest and most accurate research programmes in the UK, we are perfectly situated to cater to this need'. Head of Research David Bharier adds: 'The economic turmoil of recent years has shown that strong intelligence rooted in clear evidence has never been more important. “Our current suite of surveys, which receive tens of thousands of business responses, is used extensively by the Government, Bank of England and private sector to help with their planning and policy development'.

Web site: www.britishchambers.org.uk .