Trade statistics show that UK businesses are missing out on duty waivers for their customers, negotiated by the UK Government in over 70 trade deals. Rules of Origin (RoO) can be complex, so join us to understand how to benefit from trade deal preferences, how to be more profitable and how to make your exports even more competitive.
This webinar is co-hosted with the DIT Export Support Service (ESS) who have been working across government departments to make RoO as easy to navigate as possible, despite their inherent complexities. HMRC RoO experts will offer their expertise in a Q&A session and attendees will have a chance to seek clarity on any pain points they might be encountering.
DIT Export Champions will share their personal experience with RoO during their export journeys. This is an opportunity for you to hear from other businesses on the tangible benefits that come from taking advantage of RoO preferences.
Finally, ESS will be there to signpost attendees to new business resources and explain how they can be fully utilised.
Following yesterday’s announcement from Government on a new energy support package for businesses, which will run from 01 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“Despite Government efforts, an 85% drop in the financial envelope of support, will fall short for thousands of Norfolk businesses, who are seriously struggling.
“Many businesses have been fighting for their survival for months, and rising energy costs have fast become the tipping point. Whilst we welcome the 12-month duration of this package, its value is nowhere near far enough and means that for some firms, energy will now be a cost too far.
“We understand Government must consider public finances, but any support package, short or long term, should be right for business – otherwise we’re going around in circles. The wrong type of support will continue to see business confidence deplete and the Government having to revisit its package.
“This is not about giving a handout to failing firms. It is about investing in British businesses, many of whom are confident about the strength of their order-books despite being hammered by eye-watering energy costs.
“Our economy will not be able to grow if our businesses are in decline.
“Alongside an energy support package, we need an energy support strategy to get businesses on the right track to longer term efficiency.
“There are several options to consider, and Norfolk Chambers, together with the British Chambers of Commerce and the wider Chamber network are urging the Government to prioritise the following three:
Increase OFGEM’s powers: Ensure effective competition in the business energy market for non-domestic contracts by extending OFGEM’s regulatory powers to guarantee businesses access competitive fixed rate contracts, and energy providers move swiftly to pass on wholesale price reductions.
Energy production: Government to bring forward ambitious plans to enable more renewable and sustainable energy production across the UK.
National energy saving campaign: Government should launch a national campaign with support initiatives for businesses to drive down current consumption through energy efficiency measures, such as green grants and tax incentives.
“It is a critical year for the UK economy and with the right focussed support, businesses can help turn the economy around and get the UK back to growth and prosperity.”
Chambers have launched a new and useful tool which has been developed by the experts at ChamberCustoms and Exabler.
The UK import tax calculator is quick, easy and free to use and can work out the different rates of duty available to businesses when importing goods. Businesses can use our calculator to work out what needs to be paid to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Norfolk’s leading provider of international trade training are delighted to announce the launch of their new training programme.
Responding to the demand for training, the International Department has created a programme of virtual training courses accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce. The “core 10” courses can either be attended as standalone training or as a longer training course. For those who complete six or more training courses, they will achieve a nationally recognised Foundation Award in International Trade.
The training is ideal for those looking for further education or training for their team and those preparing for Brexit.
Due to the pandemic, the chambers have pivoted their courses to be delivered virtually. This comes with huge benefits, including no travel time to the training centre, and available to those based across the UK (not just Norfolk).
The courses range from half-day to full-day courses and have been designed to be engaging whilst providing all the practical knowledge you need for the chosen course topic.
The courses are suitable for anyone involved in the export or import process such as; accounts, purchasing/buyers, freight forwarders, shipping, marketing, customer services, goods inward staff and many more.
A previous guest from the Understanding Exporting training said, “The course is very informative and I am walking away with a lot more knowledge. A great understanding of exporting.”
The training starts on 09 September and continues throughout 2020. New dates for 2021 will be released later on this year.
The following dates for 2020 have now been released;
Norwich City Council have released their latest economic barometer. The report highlighted:
Locally
Castle Mall Shopping Centre are looking to welcome PureGym and a bowling alley in the next few months
Profit warnings from stock-exchange quoted companies from the East of England rose in the last year
Norwich is now in the top 10 least affordable cities for housing according to a Lloyds Banking Group Report
Norwich Market was named the best large outdoor market in the country in the Great British Market Awards 2019
Nationally
The Bank of England expects growth this year to be the slowest since 2009
Business growth activity in the tech sector declined towards the end of 2018, with Brexit and global trade frictions being cited
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported sales increases in January for their members – helped by higher spending on food and New Year price cutting.
Manufacturing had lacklustre output and new orders slowed at the start of 2019
Local businesses joined Norfolk Chamber Great Yarmouth Borough Council and New Anglia LEP to consider the potential impact of Brexit and discuss what our region could look like post-Brexit.
Mike Spicer, the Policy Director for the British Chambers of Commerce provided an update on Brexit and also took part in a panel discussion on the potential impacts of Brexit, together with Paul Briddon, a Partner at Lovewell Blake and Nigel Best, the Growth Hub Manager from New Anglia LEP.
The discussions highlighted that many businesses have yet to prepare for Brexit. Businesses should be aware of the potential risks to their business and have some idea of how they will mitigate them.
It also became clear that businesses needed to have a good look at their supply chain – whilst their Tier 1 suppliers may be UK based; consideration needed to be given to Tier 2 and beyond. An easy way to consider their preparation for Brexit would be to use the free Chamber’s Business Brexit Checklist.
The Businesses were also asked to consider their future plans and what support they might need access to. Plans included recruitment and upskilling of staff; access to funding and grants to innovate their businesses; and the need to positively promote the region.
As we start the countdown to The Big Debate 2023 we’ll be sharing four things to learn covering our four Big Debate topics.
Infrastructure and Transport
The Norfolk-based road safety technology firm Westcotec is advising local authorities of the importance of understanding and using good data before committing to potentially significant road safety investments. Effective collection and expert analysis of data helps to ensure that resources can be targeted where they are most needed, and avoids the risk of paying large sums on interventions that may not be appropriate, Westcotec says. Read the full article here https://www.norfolkchamber.co.uk/knowledge_hub/addressing-road-safety-issues-westcotec/
There is no one right solution to tackling the threats of climate change – start small and you could still make a difference. 10 steps you can take now to be a greener business
Many businesses have been fighting for their survival for months, and rising energy costs have fast become the tipping point. Alongside an energy support package, we need an energy support strategy to get businesses on the right track to longer-term efficiency.
Since the 1st of January 2022, traders have been asked to pre-notify all plants and plant products arriving to the UK either on IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animal, Food and Feed System) or on PEACH (Procedure for Electronic Application for Certificates from the Horticultural Marketing Inspectorate).
The PEACH system is due to be phased out at the end of the year – this is due to be confirmed by DEFRA – and all pre-notification will need to be done in IPAFFS. To register to use the IPAFFS system, you will need to set-up a DEFRA account on your Government Gateway.
The pre-notification must be made at least four hours before it arrives into the UK.
When bringing the shipment into the UK, the number provided will need to be declared on your Customs Declarations for the goods to be able to clear the border. The codes to be used on the Customs Declarations will vary depending on which system you are using but your customs broker/agent should be able to advise and do it on your behalf and you should always provide it as part of your instructions to them.
We will provide more information as and when we receive it.
Norfolk Chambers can do import and export customs clearance on your behalf and we work with traders to ensure they are compliant with all customs requirements. For more information, please contact chambercustoms@norfolkchambers.co.uk
Commenting on the latest update to existing trade agreements if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
“The lack of progress revealed today is an incredibly disappointing, though not unexpected admission. This is unfortunately yet another example where politicians have overpromised and underdelivered – and it is businesses and consumers both at home and abroad that will pay the price.
“The British Chambers of Commerce has warned government for over two years that the replication of EU trade agreements would not be easy. We have also warned politicians that some trading businesses don’t even know they are benefiting from the provisions of these agreements, and will be surprised to see their costs going up or their products treated differently overseas in the unwanted event of ‘no deal’ on 29 March.
“There are firms now who have shipped their products to important overseas markets like South Korea whose customers may now face higher costs and new administrative burdens and purchases languishing at the dock after 29 March. UK firms and their partners have spent time building strong business relationships and will not appreciate sudden and expensive changes in trading arrangements.
“It’s time for government to work far more closely with business communities to ensure that more existing agreements are rolled over and their benefits to businesses and consumers preserved. The best way to do this in the first instance is to avoid a messy and disorderly exit from the EU on 29 March – which would see the terms of trade for some businesses worsen overnight.”
If you are an SME with a logistics function and feel that your data could be working better for you there are free to access grants available to strengthen your position.
TALE (Transport and Logistical Efficiencies) targets SMEs with a logistics function – this includes freight transport, warehousing, manufacturing, distribution and a wide range of commercial services – TO MAKE YOUR DATA WORK FOR YOU. TALE can help your company to manage its data systems to improve profit margins and reduce costs. We offer a free 1:1 diagnostic session where one of our Business Support Facilitators would come and visit you and get to know everything about your business (your position in the market, future ambitions etc.) and suggest opportunities for support as well as help you shape a project you may already have in mind to improve how you use your data or your use of technology.
TALE offers: (1) Workshops delivering practical advice on ways to improve your performance, topics include Customer Insights, Cyber Security, Operations, Business Intelligence and Digital Strategy. (2) Grants to contribute towards your individual company’s data project – for example updating software or launching a new product. TALE grants offers up to £60,000 towards an individual company’s data project – for example hiring a consultant, updating/purchasing software and/or employing someone to do a logistics or data-based role associated with the project you are implementing. Grants aim to assist your company’s growth plans and can contribute 40% of total project cost and are non-repayable. For more information please visit www.tale.org.uk
As we continue the countdown to The Big Debate 2023 here are four things to learn covering our four Big Debate topics.
Infrastructure and transport
Passengers are being advised to avoid travelling with Greater Anglia, and to check before they do travel, if they do need to make a rail journey on 1 and 3 February, when strike action will affect train services.
Members of the train drivers’ union ASLEF and train drivers who are members of the RMT union, who work for Greater Anglia are striking on Wednesday 1 and Friday 3 February.
Do you want to bring the best energy to your workplace, enhance creativity, fuel purpose and develop communication skills? With colleague turnover at an all-time high isn’t it imperative that you attract the best, and retain all those brilliant people?
I feel lucky because my job is helping businesses become more sustainable and encouraging everyone to live more sustainably – and it’s also my passion.
Times are tough at the moment for many businesses, to say the least. The current UK inflation rate is sitting at 11.1%, so employers are under a lot of pressure to increase salaries and keep up with the rising cost of materials and products they require.
Most Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) exporters report no improvement to exports, with 27% reporting decreased export sales in the quarter and 47% reporting no change.
Only 26% of SME exporters saw increased export sales
The picture for future orders is even weaker with 28% reporting a decrease against 24% an increase
Three biggest cost pressures for SME exporters are energy (72%), labour (67%) and raw materials (61%).
A survey of more than 2,300 UK SME exporters has revealed UK overseas trade continues to languish as the global economy heads into another difficult year.
More SME exporters are continuing to report falling export sales (27%) than are reporting an increase (26%)
Just over a third of SME exporters (36%) expect to see increased profitability in the next 12 months, while an almost equal number (35%) expect a decrease.
The BCC’s quarterly Trade Confidence Outlook for Q4 2022 also showed the squeeze on SMEs exporters operating margins remains, with 64% expecting to raise their prices.
Three main cost pressures continue to dominate as utilities, labour costs and raw materials are again the biggest concerns cited by exporters.
Responding to the findings, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain said:
“Last autumn the World Trade Organisation forecast global trade growth of just 1% in 2023, down from 3% in 2022. This is creating huge headwinds for smaller UK firms battered by the pandemic, Brexit and energy price shocks.
“China’s sudden full reopening may also create additional supply chain turbulence this year, should the Covid pandemic continue to impact health and economic output.
“Against this background it could be sometime before the global shipping and trading systems returns to anything approaching normality.
“The UK government cannot afford to sit idly by as we head into such uncertain trading conditions.
“It must throw a lifeline to our struggling exporters who are desperately trying to keep their heads above water.
“Despite recent very welcome progress on data sharing, the unresolved Northern Ireland protocol situation is still influencing the UK’s relationship with the EU and the US.
“Resolving the remaining protocol issues unlocks the potential for benefits for UK businesses in both east and west directions, as well as for Northern Ireland.
“Outside of the EU, the US is our biggest trading partner, and the one that BCC members are most interested in, yet progress on free trade talks are stalled.
“As the Good Friday Agreement anniversary looms the UK has a golden opportunity to transform our trading relationship with our two biggest export markets in one fell swoop.
“Other measures Government should consider include providing effective end-to-end trade finance and setting up a trade accelerator – by working alongside our global network to help firms enter new markets and maximise sales.”