Brexit At Three: Fresh Trade Challenges Growing

A new survey by the BCC’s Insights Unit of 733 businesses (97% SMEs) shows the difficulties facing British firms in using the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) have not eased.

The BCC report also highlights a fresh set of challenges approaching as UK and EU regulations diverge, creating further headaches for traders on both sides of the Channel.

Read the full article and download the BCC 'Trade and Cooperation agreement three years on - proposals for reform by UK business' here. 

Iconic Innovation Hub could help Harwich become beacon for the future of clean energy

An iconic multi-million-pound innovation hub should be established in Harwich to support the town’s progress to becoming a national leader in clean energy - according to a new report by sector expert Opergy Group.

Commissioned by Tendring District Council using part of its UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation, the University of Essex and Freeport East, the report identifies Harwich as a prime location for bringing together a cluster of forward-thinking businesses and organisations involved in clean energy to drive forward economic growth in the area.

Read the full article here.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism webinar
Tuesday 9 January, 3.00-4.00pm

Climate change is a global problem that needs global solutions. As the EU raises its own climate ambition, and as long as less stringent climate policies prevail in many non-EU countries, there is a risk of so-called ‘carbon leakage’. Carbon leakage occurs when companies based in the EU move carbon-intensive production abroad to countries where less stringent climate policies are in place than in the EU, or when EU products get replaced by more carbon-intensive imports.

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a landmark tool to put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon intensive goods that are entering the EU, and to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries. The gradual introduction of the CBAM is aligned with the phase-out of the allocation of free allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to support the decarbonisation of EU industry.

In this one-hour webinar Richard Bartlett will discuss the questions below and explain how you should prepare for CBAM.

What is Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism?
When does it start?
How will it work?

You will receive important key information to take away from the session including how to plan your sustainability strategy.


Cost: £10.00 (plus VAT) Chamber members, £20.00 (plus VAT) non-Chamber member.

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.

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.

SAVE THE DATE

Latest UK trade data for October 2023 was published by the Office for National Statistics last Wednesday. Although goods imports had risen, EU goods exports slumped for the second successive month - by seven per cent in October. Read the BCC response to the new trade data.

The BCC participated in a briefing session with UK government officials on recent actions following business stakeholder meetings. The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is planning to set up an EU hub to manage compliance issues arising with businesses when trading with EU customers.

Last week, the BCC were briefed on the procurement agenda within the UK-India trade negotiations, which are set to continue into 2024.

The BCC also met Shadow Trade Minister Gareth Thomas MP to discuss export support for SMEs, the Trade (CPTPP) Bill, potential future trade relations with key trading partners, and digital trade.

Last Monday, Ministers announced the creation of a new Office for Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) in the new year within DBT. This aims to better enforce and communicate UK measures on trade sanctions. It will also deal with civil enforcement of sanctions and provide guidance and assistance with compliance measures.