BCC: Budget Must Kickstart Sluggish Economy

Reacting to the latest GDP data published by the ONS, Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

“With a backdrop of weak business and investment confidence, sluggish Q3 growth of just 0.1% is unsurprising. 

“But the data suggests the cyber-attack on JLR hit manufacturing badly and made a mediocre performance worse. The overall 0.5% contraction in production counteracted growth of 0.2% in services and 0.1% in construction. 

“The lack of strong, consistent growth means this month’s Budget is a make-or-break moment for business – it must deliver for firms across the UK. Our latest survey of over 4,600 businesses shows a quarter have scaled back their investment plans, and a fifth are expecting their turnover to worsen over the next year.  

“That’s why we are clear, there must be no more taxes on business in November’s Budget. The Chancellor must also use her statement to tackle the skills crisis, help firms export and turbocharge infrastructure projects.  

“She faces difficult choices, but hitting businesses in the pocket again would be the wrong move. Recent speculation about a new cap on pension salary sacrifice schemes is worrying, as it would pile more costs on employers and limit investment. 

“The economy will continue to struggle unless business costs are cut and firms are given the right tools to invest, recruit and trade.” 

More information on the GDP data for Q3 can be found here.

Join the British Embassy Sofia and help shape how the UK is seen and heard in Bulgaria.

From leading iconic events like the King’s Birthday Party and Ambassador for a Day to building partnerships that make an impact – this role blends creativity, strategy, and purpose.

Apply here by 23 November 2025 and become part of an inclusive, dynamic team making a difference every day.

On 21 November, our members from BetterSkills start the Executive Sales Academy — a small, closed cohort of eight C-level professionals working on real, high-value deals.

This is not a generic sales course. It is a program for people who negotiate with international clients, large organizations, and complex stakeholder groups. The trainer will be Bob Spence. For more information you can read here: https://betterskills.bg/expertise/executive-sales-academy

The content of the program is fully adapted to the realities of our region. No theory for theory’s sake. No models imported without context. 6 sessions only, practical knowledge, and consultations with Bob on your real business cases.

If you want to strengthen the way you negotiate, communicate, and influence at a senior level, write to Vyara Tyurkmen (vyara.tyurkmen@betterskills.bg) for more information. For all BBBC members, there will be a 20% discount on the price.

Manpower have started collecting data for the new edition of the Salary, Additional Benefits and Bonuses – Trends (SATR) survey for the first half of 2026.

For more than five years, SATR has been tracking how employers across industries adapt their remunerations, benefits, and workforce strategies to the changing labour market.

By taking part, you’ll contribute to a reliable, data-driven overview that helps companies plan strategically and stay competitive.

The report will include:

• Expected salary and benefits increases by industry;
• Employment and recruitment outlooks, including turnover trends;
• Key insights into pay transparency practices and employer attitudes amid new
  regulations and employee expectations.

The survey is completely anonymous and takes just a few minutes to complete.

At the end, you can leave your email to receive a free copy of the final report, to be published in early 2026.

Take the survey here: https://survey.zohopublic.eu/zs/U6Caom

Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko has been honoured with the title “Bulgaria’s Best Ski Hotel 2025” presented by the World Ski Awards – the only global program that recognizes, rewards and celebrates excellence in ski tourism.

Ski industry professionals, media representatives and ski enthusiasts from around the world were invited to cast their votes to determine this year’s leaders across various categories. The management of Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko emphasizes that participation and success in such international competitions are crucial in reaffirming the hotel’s commitment to impeccable quality and outstanding service. It also represents a meaningful contribution to the continued growth of Bansko as a globally recognized destination.

The global scientific platform of BAT – Omni™ – was presented at an official event in Bulgaria. It represents a solid scientific resource covering independent studies, corporate research on innovations, and practical examples from around the world that demonstrate the role of the organization’s smoke-free alternative products in reducing the harm from smoking. The presentation was attended by representatives of the media, business, the non-governmental sector, leading experts from various fields, and partners.

As part of the Group’s global transformation, BAT Bulgaria Country Manager, Mila Marechkova, pointed out that Omni™ demonstrates BAT’s progress in transformation through the company’s innovative smoke-free products and their role in reducing the harm from smoking. This is the foundation of BAT’s strategy for creating “A Better Tomorrow™” through the vision of achieving “A Smokeless World.”

“Just a few years ago, our company in Bulgaria was present in only one product category – that of traditional cigarettes – whereas today, we are proud to be at the forefront of transformation, offering adult consumers in the country a full range of a multi-category portfolio of innovative, reduced-risk, smoke-free products, such as heated products, reusable e-cigarettes, and nicotine pouches. We are proud that Bulgaria is one of the first markets where we are presenting Omni™,” commented Mila Marechkova.

The event highlighted the significance of regulating new products in a way that is reasonable and balanced, taking into account the scientifically substantiated facts about the reduced-risk profile of smoke-free products. “Practices in leading countries in the world and the EU show that precisely balanced and reasonable regulations – which allow adult consumers who would otherwise continue to smoke to have access to and choose alternative products – yield results and reduce the percentage of smoking rates in those countries,” commented Kiril Georgiev, Head of Regulatory Affairs, BAT Bulgaria. He cited Sweden as a good example and added that Bulgaria is also following effective EU practices in this regard, which contributes to the reduction of smoking rates in the country.

Mark Forster (PhD), Senior Scientific Engagement Manager at BAT Group, presented the Omni™ platform. “Our goal is to offer consumers innovative products with the potential for reduced risk compared to continued cigarette smoking. Scientific research is at the core of this transformation, which is why we are presenting Omni™,” Forster stated. He added that the company invests significant resources in this area to provide adult smokers with better, reduced-risk alternatives and to contribute to a future where the harm from smoking is minimized.

“The best choice any adult smoker can make is to completely quit smoking. But for those who, for one reason or another, do not, there is now a choice of smoke-free innovative products which, although not entirely risk-free, are an alternative with potentially reduced harm compared to conventional products,” added Mark Forster.

Spend Christmas at Zornitza Family Estate and enjoy the festive atmosphere in the beautiful Châteaux, with a special 15% off for BBCC Members.

Valid until: 08.12.25

Price from: 4 200 BGN

Package

– 3 nights with breakfast in the period 23-26.12.25
– Christmas workshop for adults and children – preparation of Christmas sweets and cocktails (24.12.25)
– Five-course dinner for Christmas Eve
– Tour to Rozhen Monastery on 25.12.25
– Four-course lunch (with drinks included) on 25.12.25

Complimentary from the estate

Welcome drink

Minibar, tea and coffee “Richard” in the villa/room

Use of a hot outdoor pool

Use of sauna, steam bath, indoor pools, relax zone and fitness in ZOMA body & soul

Visit of the winecellar of the estate

Parking

Conditions

A prepayment is required, which is not refundable in case of cancellation or no-show

Prices include VAT

Check-in after 15:00, check-out until 12:00

Prices

– 4 200 BGN for a Junior Suite package. Room capacity – 2 adults.
– 6 500 BGN for a Family Junior Suite package. Room capacity – 2 adults and 2 children.
– 4 800 BGN for a Villa package. Villa capacity – 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children
– 4 500 BGN for a Superior Junior Suite package. Room capacity – 2 adults.
– 7 100 BGN for a Superior Family Junior Suite package. Room capacity – 2 adults and 2 children

On Thursday, September 4th, 2025, Tony McMurray and his climbing team completed their three-year journey to summit all 56 peaks of Bulgaria over 2,500 meters.

Over these three years, the team faced it all — missed weekends, brutal weather, injuries, laughter, moonlit campfires, and even an emergency operation along the way. Every step tested their resilience, strengthened their friendships, and deepened their appreciation for the mountains and for life itself. All in aid of For Our Children Foundation – raising awareness for an organisation that supports disadvantaged children across the country and raising >20,000 BGN (+10,000 Euro) along the way!

To share this story, Tony McMurray was invited to deliver his second TEDx Talk here in Bulgaria, reflecting on the experiences, lessons, and spirit behind this incredible adventure.

Watch the Talk: TEDxVitosha – Tony McMurray: The Bulgarian 56 Peaks Challenge

Tony shares:
”It was especially meaningful to have a number of the 100+ people who joined me on various climbs in the audience that evening — and to close my talk by announcing our next challenge, one that will take us beyond Bulgaria’s borders and into the wider Balkans.”

At Vladisara Consult, they believe that cross-border connections create opportunities that transform both people and businesses.

With the festive season upon us, Vladisara Consult invite fellow BBCC members to explore how their expertise can support their international goals between Bulgaria and the United Kingdom.

As specialists in immigration, tax, and accounting services for the UK, we help individuals and organizations navigate the complexities of relocation, compliance, and financial management with precision and care.

Vladisara Consult’s mission is to make every transition seamless — empowering our clients to focus on growth and success, while they handle the details that matter.

With years of proven experience, a reputation for reliability, and a deep understanding of both Bulgarian and British systems, Vladisara Consult stands as a trusted bridge between the two markets.

Their clients value not only their professional competence, but also their proactive approach and genuine commitment to their clients’ needs.

This Christmas, Vladisara Consult are delighted to extend an exclusive 15% discount to all BBCC members.

Explore collaboration opportunities, joint initiatives, or tailored solutions that serve your business and community across borders.

Contact Vladisara Consult: office@vladisaraconsult.com
Learn more: www.vladisaraconsult.com

LAM’ON’s compostable PACK’ON Mailing Bags are designed for businesses that value high-quality packaging and care for the planet. They are:

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Contact LAM’ON at https://www.lam-on.com for more information or a personalised offer.