BCC welcomes adoption of Windsor Framework

Responding to news of the ratification of the Windsor Framework, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The joint EU and UK decision to give formal effect to the Windsor Agreement is another important step in improving trading conditions between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

“For the BCC, the priority is now making sure the new customs and paperwork arrangements, plus the trusted trader schemes, work smoothly for businesses either side of the Irish Sea.

“We look forward to close engagement with HMRC over the coming months to make sure the on-the-ground reality of this deal produces tangible benefits for firms.”

New report encourages businesses to embrace greater digitalisation of international trade

The Institute for Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) and EY on 21 March launched a new report on trade technology (TradeTech), exploring the potential benefits for all businesses of greater digitalisation of trade.

TradeTech: A pathway for businesses to seize trade opportunities explores how technology could be a fundamental part of ensuring international trade moves away from its existing dependence on paper-based forms, thus allowing businesses to digitalise trade operations.

More details here.

UK-Gulf Cooperation Council FTA

The third round of negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the UK and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) took place between 12-16 March. The round was hosted by GCC in Riyadh and held in a hybrid fashion. A number of UK negotiators from across the Government travelled to Riyadh for in-person discussions and others attended virtually.

Click here to read more.

The Department for Business and Trade Southern region are bringing together in-market specialists from six Northern European markets to have 1-2-1 meetings with businesses based in Southern England.

These in-market experts will be showcasing export opportunities, as well as offering insight and guidance into their markets. This event promises to be an action-packed day where new business relationships are established.

The Cambridge event takes place on Thursday 30 March at The Moller Centre.

More information and registration here.

Global Trade Month: China - In conversation with Tom Duke
Wednesday 26 April, 9.00am
Online

The second event in the series for our Global Trade Month: China, is an ‘In Conversation’ with Tom Duke.

Tom Duke was appointed Minister Counsellor for the Department for International Trade (DIT) in March 2019 and Deputy HM Trade Commissioner to China in 2020. As a member of the senior leadership team of DIT China and Hong Kong, Tom is responsible for trade and investment promotion, trade policy and market access across a range of industry sectors.

This session will be a strategic discussion about current/future trade relations with Tom, an expert in the market, and will provide insight and advice as to best practice.

Register here. 

You can view the full list of all our 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.

The Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill is expected to complete its legislative stages at Westminster by the end of next month.

Last week, the UK and Ukraine signed a digital trade agreement which makes e-commerce and services trade easier for firms in both countries.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is hosting a series of sectoral roundtables on CE and UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking.