Key documentation processing over the Christmas Break

The last date for submitting consular documentation is 11.00am on Thursday 14 December. Documents submitted after this time will not be processed until Tuesday 2 January.

The Chamber will close at 4.00pm on Friday 22 December and re-open at 9.00am on Tuesday 2 January. 

We will process online documents on Friday 29 December from 10.00am-1.00pm. Please ensure you upload all supporting paperwork to enable us to process these applications or email internationaltrade@cambscci.co.uk.

Ensuring British Business is ready for the pace of exponential change to come

Most sectors are already adopting cutting-edge technologies to drive productivity, such as introducing AI into customer-facing roles; and introducing autonomous driving systems for road transport operations.

However, some are missing out on the digital revolution, due to poor infrastructure, a lack of skills or guidance on what technologies are most appropriate.

At the Chambers, we’re led by one of Britain’s true digital pioneers. Our President, Martha Lane Fox has been at the heart of digital innovation, both as an entrepreneur and policy shaper.
  
As we move forward into an increasingly digital age, it’s vital that we answer the crucial questions that firms are asking.  

• How can we use AI to revolutionise the way we operate? 
• What policies could help us embrace its benefits?  
• How can we safeguard against negative consequences and ensure no one is left behind.  

That’s why we urgently need to work in partnership with government to identify the solutions and redesign our future. 

We are exploring the barriers and the opportunities to the uptake of new technologies across different sectors and working on practical policy options that would help with adoption and understanding in the business community.

If you would be interested in an event covering AI in International Trade, please contact Karen Cash.

Ghana: Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) and Automotive Investor Mission
23 - 26 January 2024, Accra, Ghana

Supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ghana JET is organising an automotive mission to Ghana.

JET is FCDO’s flagship investment-led programme to support Ghana’s economic transformation. The five-year programme seeks to spur £30 million of investment and create 7,000 jobs across three priority sectors in Ghana: Automotive, Pharmaceuticals and Textiles and Garments.

The programme includes business and government meetings along with tailored support and meetings offered to individual companies as required.

Please email Veronica Bolton Smith for more information.

Coming up in January:

Import Procedures & Processes Training
Tuesday 9 January, 9.30am-1.00pm

Export Processes & Procedures Training
Wednesday 10 January 9.30am-1.00pm

Understanding Rules of Origin
Tuesday 16 January, 9.30am-1.00pm

Opening Doors to Global / International Trade
Wednesday 24 January, 9.30am-1.00pm

International Marketing Workshop
Wednesday 31 January, 9.30am-1.00pm

You can view the full list of all our training courses for 2024 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.

Automotive Mission to Ghana
23-26 January 2024

The mission will present a unique opportunity for delegation to engage with:

• OEMs and local assemblers
  
• High-level Government of Ghana officials and Policy makers
  
• EVs
  
• Govt agencies
  
• Spare parts importers and dealers
  
• 2/3 wheeler segment
  
• Standards
  
• Industrial park and free zones
  
• Regional and local auto associations
  
• Ecosystem players
  
• Skills.

SAVE THE DATE

Proposals were made last week by the European Commission to extend on a one-off basis the application of current rules of origin on electric vehicles until January 2027. The BCC has called for this to assist the competitiveness of the UK car industry, and avert 10 per cent tariffs on electric cars sold in either market. The proposals will now be discussed by EU ministers and then the UK government. If agreed, this would take effect at the end of 2023. Read the BCC reaction here. 

You can read William Bain’s article, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, in the MediaPlanet Future of Tax in its Business Transformation Campaign for The Guardian on forthcoming EU VAT changes and what they mean for UK businesses.

The BCC also addressed DBT’s Virtual Market Access Global Conference last week on the crucial role of market access actions on removing non-tariff barriers for UK exporters in key overseas markets.

The BCC met with Liberal Democrat Trade spokesperson Sarah Green MP to discuss progress on our Trade Manifesto and also prospects to improve the UK-EU relationship.

The BCC was also briefed by DBT officials on the implications of procurement provisions in any trade agreement with India.

Finally, the BCC also joined our colleagues at British Chambers in Belgium and EU last week for a discussion on recent developments in Brussels and a 2024 strategy for improving the UK-EU economic relationship.