UK Firms Must Not Retreat Amid Global Uncertainty

26th March 2026

The Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) will today (Thursday March 26) rally businesses to respond to rising geopolitical instability by deepening trade rather than retreating.

Shevaun Haviland will tell delegates at the BCC’s Driving International Trade Conference in central London that: 

“The global economy is reeling from the Middle East conflict. Trade routes are severely disrupted; energy costs and wider prices are soaring. The impact of this war is profound. 

 

“Be in no doubt, war and tariffs are hugely damaging for global trade. They are bad for business, and bad for consumers. The sooner the current conflict ends the better it will be for everyone. 

 

“But in a more uncertain world the answer is not to retreat. It is to reach out, build more connections, open more doors and trade more, not less."

On partnership working with Government 

With BCC forecasts showing export growth of just 0.7% in 2026, she will urge ministers to maintain close dialogue with the business community as costs rise again. 

The BCC Director General will say: 

“My message to government in these turbulent times is simple. Continue to keep calm heads. Keep talking to business and be prepared to act. With energy bills rising and no cap for business. Ministers need to keep every option on the table.” 

 

“If we want the UK to stay competitive, to stay resilient, and to stay open for business, then government and business must navigate this storm together.” 

On trade deals 

Referencing progress on UK/EU reset, a new deal with India and other agreements, she will say: 

“I want to give credit where it’s due. The government has made some real strides.” 

But she will warn: “Signing a trade deal is only half the job.” saying many SMEs are still struggling to increase export sales.  

On the ‘postcode lottery’ of export support  

Haviland will call for consistent export support across the country, warning that too many firms lack access to expert guidance. 

She is expected to say:  

“Cutbacks under successive governments – including this one – have left Britain with a postcode lottery of export support.” 

She will tell the audience improving export support is: 

“A return on investment story that no-one serious about delivering growth should be ignoring.” 

On the power of Chambers to deliver 

She will also underline the role of the Chamber Network in supporting exporters through customs, regulation and market access.  

Telling the conference: 

“Promoting trade runs through the veins of Chambers.”  

“Trade doesn’t start with a treaty or a white paper. It starts with people. It starts with relationships.”