BCC brings politicians together in push for export growth

The BCC has brought together an extraordinary group of politicians, diplomats, civil servants, businesses and Chambers to push for export growth.

They met at the House of Lords last week to discuss the BCC’s Trade Manifesto, which is supported by logistics company WTA. It sets out a comprehensive list of steps to get more UK businesses, currently just 10 per cent, involved in international trade.

Among those to contribute to the debate were the Minister of State for International Trade, Nigel Huddleston MP, and Shadow Minister for Exports, Afzal Khan MP.

They heard about recent survey data from the BCC that found:

• The UK’s picture on exports has been broadly static since the pandemic.
  
• In Q3 of 2023, half of all SME exporters (49%) saw no change in overseas sales, and a quarter (25%) reported a decrease.
  
• A larger proportion of SMEs are now regularly reporting decreased sales - with an average 10 percentage point rise since 2018.
  
• It is almost five years (Q4 2018) since the proportion of firms reporting increased sales was higher than 30% - it was 26% in Q3 2023.
  

Read more here. 

Understanding Exporting
Wednesday 15 November, 9.30am-1.00pm

Inward & Outward Processing
Thursday 16 November, 9.30am-1.00pm

CDS: New Customs for Exports/Imports
Thursday 7 December, 9.30am-1.00pm

NEW! Export Strategy: Food & Drink
Thursday 14 December, 9.30am-1.00pm

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.

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.

UK Trade and Export Finance Forum 2023
Thursday 23 November

Join over 700 leaders in business and finance in London for a full day of engaging sessions that will provide you with updated insight and new business connections to support you in your export journey.

View the agenda and register here.

MUSIAD 2024 EXPO
26-29 November 2024
Tuyap Istanbul Fair Convention and Congress Centre

MUSIAD EXPO opens its doors for the 20th time in 2024. This event brings together investors, industrialists and entrepreneurs from all over the world.

Download the event flyer here.

In 2022, $64 billion worth of goods and services were exported into the USA, and $1 trillion were invested by the USA into the UK. With such a vast pool of opportunities there is no wonder that the USA is one of the UK’s strongest trading partners. This event will give businesses an insight into why this market can be so lucrative and what your business can be doing to begin trading or expand your activity in the USA.

We are proud to deliver this event alongside British American Business, who are the leading transatlantic trade organisation, and our corporate partner WTA Group, who are trusted logistics experts and well versed at helping businesses trade between the UK and USA.

2023 ECJU Export Control Symposium
Wednesday 29 November
Leonardo Royal Hotel, London Tower Bridge

The Symposium will comprise:

• Plenary session - senior government officials and industry talking about strategic export controls and the challenges of trading in a changing world
  
• Specialist workshops including understanding the new strategic controls criteria and how it is applied to managing risk; protecting classified information and material; how to make strong licence applications; impact of sanctions on exports; enforcement and interception of shipments; US ITAR for Beginners and Intermediate level
• Networking 'village' where delegates can talk to the Trade Associations and officials across government.

Cost £240.00 per delegate (VAT included). Lunch and refreshments provided.

SAVE THE DATE

The BCC took part in the two-day series of meetings of the UK-EU Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs) and the Civil Society Forum in London this week. Read the Joint Statement which the BCC had input in shaping.

The BCC also took part in the International Trade Live event in London with William Bain recording a podcast on key issues affecting global trade and supply chains.

The BCC held useful discussions with the Japan Embassy last week about the new Trade Bill announced in the King’s Speech. They explored how businesses can make the most out of investment and export opportunities with Japan, given the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

They also met with Martin Cook, Director of Exports at the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to seek further measures that DBT can put in place with the Chamber Network around enhanced export support.

A deal between the UK and Mexico to continue with extended cumulation of EU content in their supply chains as part of UK-Mexico bilateral trade has been reached until the end of current trade negotiations, recommencing in January 2024. The BCC had called for this step and also seeks a similar deal with Canada before a cliff-edge in April 2024.