Future of the Economy Manifesto

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have launched their 'Future of the Economy' Election Manifesto, outlining a five-point plan, for immediate action from the government.

The manifesto includes the biggest ideas from a series of extensive policy documents. These were published in consultation with the Chamber Network, BCC Business Council, external stakeholders and academics this year, focusing on key economic challenges.

These include: Green Innovation, People and Work, Local Economy of the Future, Global Britain and the Digital Revolution.

We want to see:

• An Industrial Strategy with green innovation at its heart
• Better skills planning, bringing businesses and training providers together
• Business rates reform to encourage growth and investment
• Improved relations with the European Union to cut costs for business
• A Government appointed AI champion for SMEs to spearhead uptake of new technology.

Customs & Supply Chain/Logistics:

Our International Trade Department understands the urgency of efficient customs clearance. We expedite the process to minimise delays, and keep our members informed throughout each step to provide peace of mind.

We ensure your shipments cross borders smoothly, legally, and cost-effectively. Let us take the hassle out of international trade for you.

Transportation and Supply Chain Solution

We supply a comprehensive range of fast, reliable, cost-effective International Air Freight, Sea Freight, Road Freight, On Board Courier and Courier forwarding services. This service is supplemented by our Import and Export Customs Clearance which includes:

• Import and Export Clearance: We handle all aspects of customs clearance, from documentation and duty calculation to the release of your goods.
  
• Tariff Classification: Our International Trade Department assists in properly classifying your goods to ensure accurate duty and tax calculations.
• Customs Documentation: We prepare and manage all required customs documentation, including invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin.
• Customs Compliance: We ensure that your shipments meet all import and export requirements, including inspections, permits, and licenses.
  
• Duty and Tax Optimisation: We work to minimize your tax liabilities by exploring available exemptions, deductions, and duty reduction programs.
• Consultation and Advisory: Our International Trade Department is available to provide consultation on trade compliance, tariff rates, and customs regulations, helping you make informed decisions.

Letter of Credit presentations

Although a Letter of Credit remains the safest method of export payment, preparation of shipping documents covered under this system requires great care and attention to detail, not to mention shipping and banking expertise.

Many exporters face multiple problems when preparing Letter of Credit compliant documentation, including:

• Late presentation of documents to the bank
  
• Delays in payment
  
• Discrepant documents and associated fees
  
• Too much time spent dealing with documentation
  
• Inconsistent service/information
  
• Ongoing training needs for staff in L/C compliance.
  

Our service includes:

• Taking care of your credit from the outset, be it the checking of documentation to ensure that it complies with the terms of the credit, or the raising of documents such as invoices and packing lists, liaising with exporter and shipper every step of the way
  
• Downloading of L/C directly from selected banks
  
• Arranging authentication and legalisation of documents if required
  
• Presenting documents (electronically where possible) to the bank and ensuring that payment has been made.

To access any of these services, please contact our International Trade Team today on 01223 237414.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) took part in a joint meeting last week, of the UK and EU Domestic Advisory Groups on the economic and trade relationship. They raised the issue of identifying priorities for strengthening of the trading links between the EU and UK.

The BCC also held discussions with the economic and trade team from the US Embassy, on key trade policy issues of common interest such as subsidies, tariffs, and the Atlantic Declaration.

The EU adopted the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive last week. When fully in force, it will apply to larger third country corporates directly, but there may be some downstream impacts upon UK SMEs involved in value chains with larger suppliers exporting into the EU Single Market.

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.

Confirmed speakers:

Andrew Bailey, Governor, Bank of England
Amanda Blanc DBE, Group Chief Executive Officer, Aviva
Nicola Mendelsohn CBE, Head of Global Business Group, Meta

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.