BCC Publishes Blueprint To Drive Net-Zero Transition

The British Chambers of Commerce ‘Green Innovation Challenge’ report has outlined a series of proposals for policymakers, to help accelerate the UK’s transition to net-zero.  

Among the recommendations in the report are:   

• A new public body to oversee delivery of core climate policies 
• Strengthened resources for independent Climate Change Committee      
• A robust Green Industrial Strategy from Government 
• A permanent cross-sector approach to green jobs from policymakers 
• Quicker Government action on financing the transition to net-zero through the tax system 

The Green Innovation report is being published at an event hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, taking place at the National Institute of Manufacturing, today (Wed 31st Jan).  

It is the first of five policy documents being published by the BCC’s new Business Council as part of the ‘Future of Economy’ project. The report draws on expertise from businesses of all sizes and sectors, academia and think-tanks.  

The report acknowledges that the “UK has one of the most substantial legal frameworks for climate change anywhere in the world.” However, it also makes clear that “significant challenges ahead” and policy gaps remain. 

Establishing a new public body focused on climate delivery, the report says, would ensure genuine cross party working to agree long-term commitments. Strengthened resources for the CCC would give it the capacity to provide deeper analysis of specific sectors.  

The report highlights the clear call from investors that current green industrial policies need to be brought together into a long-term, cross cutting strategy.  

In order to maintain the country’s progress on climate the report also recommends linking the UK and EU emissions trading schemes, implementing energy grid upgrades and establishing deeper business and Government partnerships.  

The report concludes “we are now entering a crunch phase for delivery on net zero” and recognises that “many of the necessary policy measures involve changes to supply chains to customer and business behaviours, and in some cases additional cost burdens at least in the short term.”  

Martha Lane Fox, President of the British Chambers of Commerce and Chair of the Business Council said: 

“One of the most pressing challenges for all business is the transition to a green and sustainable future. We will have no habitable planet if we don’t encourage rapid and effective actions. 

“Our report outlines clear and realistic recommendations to accelerate the UK’s transition to net-zero. A robust strategy focused on delivery across the economy must be underpinned by clear and consistent messaging from Government.  

“BCC research and engagement with businesses tells us that firms of all sizes want to play their part, but face barriers along the way.  

“This report showcases the power of the BCC’s Business Council to assess the key challenges facing the economy head on. The council members are excited about seizing the opportunity to build a sustainable economy that works for all.   

“This is just the start of our Business Council work. We look forward to publishing our other key challenge reports in the coming weeks. In the busy political year ahead, our recommendations will provide a crucial blueprint to help build the future of the economy.”    

Entrepreneur Lisa Witter, Chair of Green Innovation Challenge Group said:   

“The UK has the potential to lead the world in Green Innovation. We believe our report gives policymakers a springboard to unlock that potential.  

“All of our recommendations are pragmatic and with political support can be implemented in a timely manner. 

“I’ve been delighted to chair our meetings over recent months, bringing together some of the UK’s most prominent business alongside leading academics. The message is clear – business can, and will, play a leadership role in sustainably transforming our economy. 

“The UK is on the right track. This report’s recommendations can propel British businesses into a global leadership role, seizing the opportunity of becoming the agents of change.” 

Emma Howard Boyd, chair of the Green Finance Institute said:   

“Extreme weather brought by the climate crisis is increasingly disrupting lives and the economy. The collective ingenuity of British businesses can provide the solutions the world needs.  

“The British Chambers of Commerce’s report highlights the importance of innovation in a resilient, net zero future. The UK’s financial ecosystem should nourish green businesses with capital, and support them with a robust institutional framework underpinned by long-term vision, clear goals, and the agility to adapt.” 

Ben Goodwin, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment said: 

“The role of businesses in the transition to a greener economy is fundamental, but for this to materialise the appropriate policy and regulatory conditions must be in place. The BCC’s report carefully sets out what is required on this front so that businesses right across the UK can succeed.  

“Critically the report also recognises the role of green jobs and skills in driving change and echoes IEMA’s call for a body to established at the heart of government to advise on green workforce matters over the long-term.” 

James Close, Head of Climate Change at NatWest Group, and member of the BCC Business Council said:  

“As the first major economy to enshrine net zero into law, the UK has already seen strong progress on our decarbonisation journey.  

“However, we know that the next stage will require greater collaboration across the public and private sector to reach net zero by 2050.  

“At NatWest, and as highlighted in the Green Innovation Challenge Report, we see that many businesses are determined to play their part in supporting both decarbonisation and green innovation and have the potential to unlock significant revenue for themselves as well as enable the country to meet its climate commitments.” 

Yasmin Diamond, Executive Vice President of Global Corporate Affairs at IHG Hotels & Resorts and member of the BCC Business Council: 

“IHG is committed to supporting our owners and hotels with decarbonising their operations and giving them the tools to become more sustainable.   

“To achieve this, we’re actively engaging in conversations with governments, the hospitality industry and business communities around the world, advocating for stronger options and innovative technology to make decarbonisation easier and more cost-effective.   

“As a group it’s important to have the BCC’s support, helping the industry, advocating for change and together, we can continue to create a more sustainable future for hospitality.” 

Ross McKenzie, Corporate Affairs Director at Drax and member of the BCC Business Council: 

“The climate crisis is the critical challenge for the UK and the world. The foundations of this report are built on the expertise of businesses of all sizes and we were delighted to support its development. 

“The report sets out practical recommendations which, if adopted, could further catalyse the country’s journey to reaching Net Zero and accelerating the development of carbon capture and storage.”  

Alison McRae, Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and member of the BCC Green Innovation Challenge Group: 

“It is fitting that the Green Innovation report is launched here in Glasgow at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland ahead of what will be another critical year for our economy and the sustainability agenda.  

“Innovation will continue to be at the core of the city region’s ambitions both through the work of our network of Innovation Districts, our UKGOVT Innovation Accelerator Status and of course the ongoing work our businesses- and particularly our SME community- are doing to unlock the innovative solutions we need to see to realise our climate targets.   

“As the host of COP26, this city has been championing green innovation and circular economy and we at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce have been at the forefront of fighting for the right economic and policy conditions to empower businesses to accelerate and scale action supporting the move to net zero. 

“As we approach the Congress of Business summit to again be held in Glasgow on 14 May, as part of Glasgow Climate Week, this report provides a perfect overview of the challenges and opportunities business face and what support is still needed to achieve our ultimate objectives.” 

Responding to the Government’s latest announcement on conformity assessment marking, BCC Head of Trade Policy, William Bain, said: 

“Business will welcome this common-sense approach to showing that products sold in Great Britain have met safety, health and environmental rules. Crucially, it will help keep costs down for firms and prices for consumers. 

“These new policies take us further down the road to providing business with the stability and confidence to make investments in long-term arrangements for testing and marking of these goods. 

“Firms will be particularly pleased that the Ecodesign Regulations will now be able to permanently use CE marking, and that legislation underpinning these announcements is due to be in place by the Spring.  

“But there are still some issues which need to be addressed. We need speedy decisions from Government on widening this policy out to construction products from 2025 onwards. 

“Conformity assessment bodies in the UK would also greatly benefit from being approved to test to CE standards and requirements. So, it’s vital the Government negotiates a mutual recognition agreement with the EU, to rebuild testing capacity in Great Britain.” 

More information on the Government’s planned changes can be found here. 

BBBA are happy to share that after 20 years of a dynamic career in the packaging industry, Zvezdelina Lacheva takes the helm of our members DS Smith Bulgaria in a challenging moment. However, she steers a strong course with numerous eco-friendly practices and a passion for innovation.

For the whole interview in Bulgarian click here.

Axiom gathered its partners from leading insurance brokers at a stylish cocktail ceremony on the occasion of the first Axi Awards edition on January 24th  at Vivacom Art Hall Oborishte 5.

The event, which was attended by more than seventy representatives from national corporate and retail brokers, was opened by Tsvetelina Mihailova – CEO and Chair of the Board of Axiom and Kalin Kostov – the company’s Procurator. Their presentation highlighted key business indicators for the company and the contribution of the brokers to the good results achieved.

“The occasion for today’s event is to share with you our successful results from working together over the past 2023. We are aware that the previous year has not been the easiest for all of us as we have been working in a very dynamic market. But the fact is that we are here today to celebrate some really good results that we have achieved together. Protection has always been at the heart of our business, helping people, businesses, and society to thrive. At Axiom, we believe that by working together, anticipating risks, and sharing knowledge, we can better protect people and look to the future with confidence. That is why today we are laying the foundations of a tradition, to share our successes and difficulties with you every year,” said CEO Tsvetelina Mihailova in her welcome address to the participants.

The culminating part of the evening was the announcement of the winners in the four categories. 

Category – Highest premium income achieved in 2023

1st place: NETINS INSURANCE BROKERS Ltd.

2nd place: MARSH Ltd.

3rd place: CORTIER

Category: Most Diverse Portfolio – Amarant Bulgaria Ltd.

Category: Highest premium income on strategic business line – Evita M 

Category: International Strategic Market Development – Delta ins Broker Ltd. 

The statuette for the winners of the first Axi Awards edition was designed especially for AXIOM and has a high artistic value. It was created by the famous Bulgarian sculptor Prof. Emil Popov – the magician from Dren.

Additional special diplomas were awarded to Broker Ins, Immortella Finance and ARS Bulgaria. 

The official part was followed by a cocktail reception, where over a glass of wine, all participants were able to discuss the good results achieved and intentions for future expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation.

The special guest of the event was the Chamber Music Collegium of the Sofia Opera and Ballet, which ensured the good mood of the attendees.

Congratulations to BBBA members NETINS INSURANCE BROKERS and ARS Bulgaria!

The 20th edition of PwC’s Academy Mini MBA starts on 28 March 2024. The programme consists of 9 connected modules and takes 4 months to complete. It is aimed at all levels in all lines of business, owners of small and medium-sized enterprises, and those who are considering starting their own business. 

Among the many benefits for the participants in the programme are:

• Development of the most important business skills
• Clear understanding of organisations, their structure, and management methodology through specific mapping technique and sequence of modules
• Opportunity to acquire valuable knowledge that can be used in everyday business activities
• Analysis of concepts such as strategy, competition, finance, marketing, and leadership as well as technical areas such as accounting, project management, and others
• Learning a methodology for analysing their own organisation as well as others
• Learning from experienced local and international trainers in various fields


If you want to find more information, you can visit our website or contact us at: bg_pwcacademy@pwc.com 


If you want to apply for the Mini MBA programme, fill in our registration form. 

Early bird registration is open until 18 February 2024

Postbank has been distinguished as a ‘Top Employer’ in Bulgaria for 2024 by the international independent Top Employers Institute. This financial institution, where success goes hand in hand with employee development, receives this high rating for the second consecutive year following detailed monitoring of its processes. With this recognition, the bank confirms its place among leading companies on a global and national scale, showing its commitment to providing better working conditions and caring for its employees, and demonstrating excellent practices and policies in the field of human resources.

Founded over 30 years ago, the Top Employers Institute is the global authority that defines the framework for the highest achievements and results in people management. The institute’s annual analysis covers 20 areas, including the implementation of innovative people management strategies, creating a motivating work environment, attracting talent, training and development, equality and inclusion, as well as wellbeing and social engagement. The certification process lasts nearly six months, and the assessment is prepared by an international jury of independent experts who carefully examine the concepts, processes, and tools introduced by the employer in this area.

The universal certification method is applied in more than 120 countries on five continents. In 2024, the Top Employers Institute certified more than 2,300 organizations in 121 countries, positively impacting the lives of over 12 million employees worldwide.

‘This prestigious international distinction, which we have received for the second consecutive year, is very valuable to us. It shows us how we stand on the world map and affirms our efforts in creating a motivational work environment. We believe that the best employers create a culture that stimulates high performance and inspires employees. In this context, the results we have achieved so far clearly visualize our growth strategy, demonstrate our entirely innovative concept for attracting and retaining talent, and show the effectiveness of our selection process. In our work, the main focus is on impeccable positive customer and employee experiences, as well as on the satisfaction of the people in our team of over 4,000 professionals, with whom we together create the future of banking,’ say representatives from Postbank.

‘Exceptional times reveal the best in people and organizations. This year, we again witnessed the excellent results of the certified companies in our Top Employers program for 2024. Postbank, as one of them internationally, has shown over the years a sustainable development environment and targeted efforts to continuously improve the wellbeing of its team, which in turn enriches the world of work,’ comments David Plink, CEO of the Top Employers Institute.

Postbank is a company with over 30 years of history, with record achievements, backed by talented and proven professionals. This helps it to occupy a strategic place in retail and corporate banking in Bulgaria and to be a leading factor in innovations and shaping trends in the sector. Over the years, the bank has acquired other businesses in harmony with its growth and innovation development aspirations – DZI Bank (2006), Alpha Bank Bulgaria branch (2016), Piraeus Bank Bulgaria (2019), and BNP Paribas Personal Finance – Bulgaria branch (2023) – now under the new brand PB Personal Finance. Thus, Postbank incorporates various companies, cultures, business models, new talents, and proven professionals into its success, who find an appropriate environment to unfold and develop their talents. The high dynamics with which the company has developed over the years create many new challenges and perspectives that provoke people in the team to new achievements, personal and professional growth.

Over the years, Postbank has been awarded multiple times for its modern solutions in building a successful and motivated team and in establishing a strong employer brand. In 2023 alone, the institution received over 10 prestigious employer awards, including the recognition as ‘Top Employer’ in Bulgaria from the Top Employers Institute. Postbank also became the only winner from Bulgaria in the international Employer Brand Stars Awards 2023, where it received two awards in competition with employers from over 30 countries for: ‘Use of Digital’ and ‘Candidate Experience’. In the competition for the best employer in Bulgaria – Career Show Awards 2023, the company won the most gold awards – a total of four in the categories: ‘Best Employer for Banking’ and ‘Finance’, ‘Use of Technology in HR’, and for the ‘HR Team’, as well as a fifth distinction in the overall, most contested category ‘Best Employer for 2023’. Other awards include Employer of Choice 2023 for ‘Technology in Human Resource Management’, as well as ‘Excellence in Teamwork’, ‘Employer Branding Innovation’, and ‘Creative Thinking’ from the Employer Branding Awards 2023 by b2b media.

More information about the advantages and values of Postbank as a leading employer, as well as about open positions and career development opportunities, can be found here.

Regus are thrilled to announce our partner IWG network’s growth in Bulgaria:

They are opening three new centers under the HQ brand in Plovdiv.

Their presence in Sofia allows you to travel no more than 15 minutes, wherever you live, and get to your nearest location ang get things done.

You are welcome to come for coffee in their business lounge in the new BSR 1 building and select a meeting room for your next event.

From your business trip, though the desired holiday and SPA in the city, Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia is there for you! 

Experience the dream of heights and stunning views, supplemented with a visit of the best gastronomic spots – our themed restaurants & bars, starting this winter getaway with 15% discount early booking deal for your stay. Book now with exclusive prices for accommodation for dynamic rates on our website for the period between 31.03.2024 and enjoy your quality time in the scenery of the enchanting heart of Sofia. As to fully indulge in the experience, we recommend you to combine SPA and panoramic breakfast in your reservations.

Dive into the elegance of Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia this winter!

Find more here.

On 16 January the Ambassador Rob Dixon hosted the inaugural UK-Bulgaria roundtable on microelectronics and semiconductors with the participation of the Minister of Economy Bogdan Bogdanov. The UK’s Semiconductor Strategy aligns with Bulgaria’s emerging industry in the semiconductor manufacturing and design. Additional visits were organised for the UK delegation, including Sofia Tech Park, Teletek Electronics JSC, MELEXIS and Globalfoundries.

Bulgaria, historically a leader in microelectronics, now boasts a vibrant IT sector. The UK collaborates to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. Let’s build on our already strong relationship and tackle global challenges together!

Further to the introduction of the Border Target Operation Model later this month, first stage – 31 January 2024 – The introduction of health certification on imports of medium risk animal products, plants, plant products and high risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU (see below Overview of the BTOM stages).

The British Embassy Sofia encourages you to take part in a Survey to help UK Government understand what action you are taking to get ready for the new SPS import controls under the Border Target Operating Model and how they can support you. 

Upon completion of the survey, you will be directed to the latest guidance on changes to import controls for SPS goods.

The survey takes between 5 and 7 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.

Complete the Survey here.

We thank you for supporting them in evaluating trader readiness for the upcoming changes under the BTOM and look forward to hearing from you.

In addition, based on the analysis they have done so far on the Trader Readiness Survey, the embassy has determined that EU traders are requesting for further assistance in the form of additional information and guidance. As a response to this the UK government has published a set of communication assets to support the readiness of traders and has been sharing these assets with EU traders.

These assets are hosted on gov.uk and can be found here.