Unlocking the Power of British Business

The British Chambers of Commerce is calling for urgent action from politicians to stimulate economic growth across the UK. Among the key asks:

• Better planning for business so that firms are not squeezed out of towns and cities
  
• Introduction of flexibility in the apprenticeship levy to support everyone in the workplace
• Strengthened UK-EU co-operation to increase bi-lateral investment levels
  
• Dramatic energy grid upgrades to ensure there is sufficient network capacity to meet modern needs.
  

The action plan is published in a new report to MPs of all parties ‘The Power of British Business: A Framework For The Future’. It outlines 16 of the BCC’s key policy asks on economic growth, skills and employment, trade and net-zero.

Following three years of economic shocks, latest BCC research shows that more than three quarters of businesses are not increasing investment. Companies are also telling the BCC that inflation and interest rates continue to be major pressures.

The plan outlines a framework for collaborative working between business and politicians. It stresses that public sector projects must not crowd out private investment. Instead, the BCC is calling for pragmatism from politicians so that business can grow.

How to obtain and maintain AEO certification

Tomorrow: Wednesday 6 September, 9.30am-12.30pm

This half day workshop is targeted at those employed by logistics/forwarding companies and global and local manufacturers who need to understand how to obtain and maintain AEO certification.
Who should attend?

• Managers responsible for customs, trade, quality and compliance
  
• Financial directors and managers
  
• Supply chain and logistics professionals
  
• Security managers who are responsible for compliance with AEO safety and security.

Register for your place here.

CHIEF to CDS - Practical Training for the change in customs declaration systems
Thursday 21 September, 9.30am-1.00pm

Is your company prepared for the upcoming deadlines?

After five years of preparation, the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) will be the long-term replacement for the current CHIEF (Customs Handling Imports and Export Freight) platform - replacing a system based on paperwork with a digital platform.

CHIEF closed its e-doors for import declarations on 30 September 2022. The final closure for export declarations will be on 30 March 2024.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for agents with practical experience in submitting customs declarations in CHIEF, who will need to complete import and export declarations with EU or third countries.

Register here.

You can view the full list of all our training courses on the Chamber website.

Courses can also be tailored to meet your company’s specific requirements. For more information about a bespoke course for your company, which can be delivered remotely or in person, please contact the Chamber on 01223 237414.

Sustaining an Emerging Vision

As part of ongoing activities to nurture collaboration between the United Kingdom and the Arab World, the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce is pleased to invite you to its flagship event of the year, the 3rd Arab British Economic Summit 2023.

The Summit, under the banner of 'Sustaining an Emerging Vision', will highlight the strategic UK-Arab partnership with an emphasis on the widening scope of cooperation within various sectors and industries. The event will seek to identify practical initiatives that can strengthen transnational trade ties and bilateral investment flows in the post-pandemic, post-Brexit low-carbon economy. Discussion will concentrate on sustainable tourism, e-commerce, franchising, as well as the banking and financial industry.

This high-level event will bring together government officials, senior executives, thought leaders and decision-makers from across the UK and the Arab world to share their ideas and debate the diverse trade and investment opportunities that are emerging in the new technology-based industries.

View the confirmed speakers and agenda on the website.

Next steps for UK financial and professional services in international markets
Thursday 12 October

This morning conference will discuss what is needed to enable UK financial and professional services to trade in international markets.

Policymakers and stakeholders will discuss what is needed to address barriers for professional services exports and reduce uncertainty for firms.

Register here.

Sri Lanka Boat and Marine Show
27-29 October 2023

As South Asia’s most significant International Boat and Marine Show, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and the Chamber of Marine Industry of Sri Lanka are organising the ‘Boat and Marine Show 2023’ at the Marina, Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka.

The High Commission of Sri Lanka in London wishes to invite you and related organisations to visit Sri Lanka and to experience the opportunities at the show.

More information on this show could be obtained from the website.

SAVE THE DATE

Last week, the Cabinet Office announced changes to the inbound border processes for goods entering GB from the EU. 

The UK Single Trade Window remains on target for its initial phase roll out in late 2024. The BCC was quoted in the Cabinet Office press release providing further detail on the introduction of e-safety/security certificates accompanying products entering GB from the EU from 31 October 2024.

Changes were also made to the definition of Qualifying NI Goods for the purposes of unrestricted access to the UK Internal Market and new requirements for registration of companies in NI to qualify for unfettered access for certain food and animal feed products.

BCC comments about the need to focus on border and trader readiness featured very prominently in media coverage of the final Border Target Operating Model release. Read the BCC expanded comments here. 

Last week, the BCC also took part in an industry forum on CE/UKCA markings on manufactured and industrial products. Ensure you are aware of, and can comply with, the reporting requirements on exports of affected products containing steel, iron, or embedded carbon or hydrogen to the EU from 1 October 2023. See guidance from the European Commission here. 

World leaders will gather in New Delhi for the 2023 G20 summit this weekend.