Resource Library

Emily Cox, Ambassador for the North at Lloyds Banking Group, discusses how fraud is impacting the region’s businesses – and what they can do to build resilience.

Josh Maratty, policy adviser at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said:

The North East Chamber of Commerce welcomed Nat Benjamin, executive director for financial stability strategy and risk at the Bank of England, to Newcastle last week for a member briefing hosted by Womble Bond Dickinson. Nat outlined how financial stability underpins the conditions in which businesses can invest, innovate and grow, and reflected on the Bank’s recent work to reduce barriers in the financial system that may be holding back productivity and long-term investment.

Businesses are realising that productivity isn’t just about systems and processes but that it starts with people. When employees feel supported, valued and able to bring their best selves to work, productivity naturally follows. That’s why wellbeing is becoming a central part of how successful organisations operate.

Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, organisations across the North East have an opportunity to reflect on how inclusive practices can drive stronger, more resilient businesses. With more than 16 million disabled people in the UK, disability inclusion is not a niche concern but a core part of building a modern, competitive workforce and customer base.

As businesses across the North East adapt to increasing pressures and evolving customer expectations, digital tools are proving essential for driving efficiency and strengthening competitiveness. Here are the key technologies helping organisations streamline their operations.

Food waste isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a business and economic challenge that affects the entire region.

The recent COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, delivered results that matter for businesses of all sizes, especially for those looking ahead to opportunities and risks in a changing economy.

Tourism is far more than a seasonal boost, it’s a powerful economic engine that plays a vital role in shaping the prosperity of our region. Each year, millions of visitors are drawn to our coastline, heritage sites, vibrant towns and cultural attractions. Their presence strengthens local businesses and supports thousands of jobs across a wide range of sectors.

For SMEs, business travel has always been about making the most of resources: finding the right balance between cost, time, and value. Today, there’s another dimension: sustainability.

Business leaders came together at a Chamber Thought Leadership session exploring how organisations can strengthen their environmental performance and turn sustainability commitments into practical action.

Josh Maratty, policy adviser at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said:

Knowledge piece by Chamber FX partners, Moneycorp

Thought Leadership Article by Sarah McCann, Senior Solicitor – External Affairs, NorthStandard

By Rachel Anderson, assistant director, policy

Josh Maratty, policy adviser at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said:

The Current Process: CPC 42 (known as Regime 42) currently allows UK businesses selling DDP into the EU to bring their goods into France and immediately dispatch them to another EU country without paying import VAT or having to register for VAT in France. Instead, the VAT was declared in the destination EU state.

By Jessie Kelly-Baxter, policy manager

National Fitness Day is a celebration of movement, wellbeing and the positive impact of sport on people’s lives. In the North East, the influence of sport extends well beyond the playing field but it is a powerful economic driver, a source of regional pride and a catalyst for healthier, more connected communities.