Global Britain Challenge Report

This report summarises the approach of the British Chambers of Commerce to help the UK grow and prosper as an independent nation. It covers an analysis of Britain’s place in the world and the world’s place in Britain. It summarises our trade performance and success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and proposes recommendations to improve our impressive track record.

Common User Charges

Last week, the UK government confirmed that invoicing for Common User Charges, under the border checks on certain plant and foodstuffs imported into Great Britain (GB), will begin at the end of July. This marks when import fees from May-July will be due, and will apply each month thereafter.

For consignments entering via Dover or the EuroTunnel, a charge of £29 per commodity line, up to a cap of five, will be applied to each consignment of medium-risk animal origin food products, with a capped charge of £145.

For exclusively low-risk animal origin products, including most cheese, a charge of £10 per commodity line up to a cap of five will be levied, with a capped charge of £50. This is where low-risk products are not in a mixed consignment with medium-risk products.

Privately-run border control posts at other ports will apply similar charges for low and medium-risk animal origin and plant products imported into GB. Port charges will also be due.

The latest forecasts for global trade in 2024, by the World Trade Organisation, indicate a potential rise in global goods trade volumes of 2.6 per cent this year, and 3.3 per cent next year. The new Global Trade Outlook and Statistics publication suggests that as inflationary pressure abates, growth in consumer spending on manufactured goods will boost trade in 2024.

Last week, UK in a Changing Europe published their latest quarterly edition of the UK-EU regulatory divergence tracker. The report finds the pace of divergence in some sectors quickening due to high legislative activity in EU institutions prior to their Parliamentary elections in June.

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.

This full day conference will be an opportunity for business leaders from across the UK, and the globe, to come together to discuss the key challenges to build a better future for business, the economy, and people in our local communities.

The conference will be centred around five key breakout sessions:

• People and Work
  
• Global Britain
  
• Digital Revolution
  
• Green Innovation
  
• Local Economy of the Future.

Throughout the day, delegates will hear from key senior politicians and other notable public figures and engage in thought-provoking discussions with colleagues from across the Chamber Network.

Away from the sessions, the Networking Zone is an opportunity for delegates to meet existing and new contacts; and the exhibition stands will see the best of British business, and the Chamber Network, from across the UK and around the world showcasing their work.