T h e N o r t h - e a s t ’ s o f f i c i a l B u s i n e s s B r e a k f a s t N e w s p a p e r | w w w. a g c c . c o . u k
Money talk
Receive up to 100% of your training costs by taking advantage of the HMRC Customs Grant Scheme
For more information email training@agcc.co.uk TRAINING courses aimed at ensuring businesses are as prepared as they possibly can be to exit the EU are available to support North-east businesses. Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce hopes the courses, which are recognised by the BCC National Accredited Trade Training™ curriculum, will give businesses in the area the edge to transition successfully when the UK leaves the EU at the end of the year. The courses will equip organisations with the enhanced skills and knowledge to take on international markets and prepare for the new customs procedures that will
soon be in place. The training programme includes nine centrally accredited modules which cover a core export skills curriculum and provide invaluable tools for varying sizes of company and employee experience levels. On successful completion of a module, each candidate receives a BCC accredited certificate which leads to a Foundation Award in International Trade upon the completion of six. Each module is sat virtually, from the comfort of your home or office. The Chamber is currently offering three for two on all international courses,
allowing you the opportunity to gain three accreditations yourself or to admit three different employees on to the same course, both with a heavily reduced price. What’s more, the UK Government’s custom grant scheme is still available for businesses and can cover 100% of the cost of international training for employees, a plan to boost the nations trading knowledge prior to 2021. Eligible organisations include traders and customs intermediaries (such as customs brokers, fast parcel operators and freight forwarders) who make or intend to make customs declarations
for their own goods or on behalf of others. Susan Staniforth, training team leader, at the Chamber, said: “There really is no time like the present to ensure businesses are prepared for leaving the EU in January. The changes to customs and regulations will undoubtedly have an effect on all organisations who trade internationally and we’d urge them to take advantage of the government grants that may soon become unavailable.” For further information on international training and the grant funding available please email the team at training@ agcc.co.uk
GAIN a fascinating insight from Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, and Adam Marshall, British Chambers of Commerce director general, on September 22 as part of the Global Insights Leaders Programme. The ongoing impact of the pandemic means that global economic conditions are likely to remain challenging while exiting the EU brings further uncertainty for UK business. This webinar will include a discussion on the Bank of England’s decision to significantly expand quantitative easing and how they work with financial institutions to provide support for businesses. Visit the Chamber website to book.
EU exit countdown AS TIME ticks down to the day that the UK officially leaves the EU, the Chamber is hosting a series of webinars to further ensure you’re prepared. Starting with 100 days to go which will take place on September 22, Liam Smyth, BCC director of international trade facilitation, will host this and three further webinars to mark 75 days, 50 days and finally just 30 days to go. Each webinar will be full of practical information and advice on what businesses need to do now in order to be prepared for the changes on January 1, 2021. For details visit agcc.co.uk
2 TODAY’S NEWS
The future of international trade | September 16
Translating thinking into action Our flagship business breakfast series, brought to you in partnership with the University of Aberdeen Business School, provides a learning and networking forum to discuss the topics essential to successful economic growth in our region. In January, exiting the EU will result in the biggest shake up to customs controls and procedures in decades. If your business imports or export goods to Europe, this period leading up to the new year and beyond will be a time of huge change and transition, no matter the outcome of trade negotiations.
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Welcome, Russell Borthwick
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The Right Honourable Greg Hands MP
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Liam Smyth
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Q&A
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Summation, Russell Borthwick
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The Right Honourable Greg Hands MP Minister of State for Trade Policy in the Department for International Trade After the Conservative party’s victory in the May 2015 election, Greg was appointed Chief Secretary to the Treasury – the third most senior post in Her Majesty’s Treasury behind the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In July 2016, under then Prime Minister Theresa May, Greg was appointed Minister of State in the new Department of International Trade, serving as number two to Secretary of State Liam Fox. Greg was re-elected as the MP for Chelsea and Fulham in the 2019 General Election.
Liam Smyth director of trade facilitation, British Chambers of Commerce Liam has extensive knowledge and experience in international trade and holds the responsibility of bringing BCC expertise together with the UK and International Chamber network to protect, develop and promote the shared interests in supporting international trade.
University of Aberdeen honours well-known local businessmen TWO prominent Aberdeen businessmen have been honoured by the University of Aberdeen in recognition of their contribution to entrepreneurship and the local community. George Yule, managing partner of BGE Consulting and former vice chairman of Aberdeen Football Club, and Gary McEwan, chief executive of Elevator, have been appointed Honorary Professors of Entrepreneurship. Their main role will be to support students, as well as help the university create partnerships with local and national businesses with the aim of increasing the university’s entrepreneurial focus. With more than three decades of oilfield experience, including start-ups, MBOs, acquisitions and internalisation projects, Professor
Yule has experienced the highs and lows through a busy business career in Aberdeen. A qualified mechanical engineer, he has extensive practical experience of the global oil and gas sector, as well as being a recognised advisor in business research, diligence and the management of change in organisations.
in the promotion of entrepreneurship to young people as a credible and viable career option. A recipient of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, he has invested in, operated and developed businesses as diverse as transport, training, financial services software, electronic manufacturing and business consultancy.
Professor Yule has held several strategic roles, including former president of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, chairman of Aberdeen Sports Village and the 2009 Grampian Industrialist of the Year. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the university in 2016, for his services to business and sport in the North-east of Scotland.
In November 2008, he was appointed chief executive officer of Elevator, and played a key role in the design and development of the company’s two Centres for Entrepreneurship in Aberdeen and Tayside. The thriving hubs offer a safe space for ambitious entrepreneurs to fast-track their businesses through Elevator’s range of accelerator programmes and delivery of Business Gateway services.
With a clear passion for business and enterprise, Professor McEwan is deeply involved
Principal George Boyne welcomed the appointment of both
businessmen to the university. He said: “Our business school is internationally recognised for its excellence in worldleading research where students can benefit from a study experience that will considerably enhance their job prospects. “George and Gary bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise in so many areas of business, which they will use to increase the university’s entrepreneurial focus, building and enhancing partnerships both locally and nationally, as well as providing advice and support to our students. We are delighted to have them on board and look forward to working alongside them.” Both Professors Yule and McEwan said they were ‘extremely honoured’ to have been recognised by the university in this way.
“I look forward to engaging with my academic colleagues and sharing my business and life experiences with the student population. This year, 2020, has been very challenging for most of us, so this is a very happy and proud moment for my family,” said Professor Yule. Professor McEwan said: “The university offers a plethora of enterprising opportunities, creating pathways for future entrepreneurs. I look forward to working with and inspiring students to use the power of entrepreneurship to create economic and social value as we strive to bring entrepreneurship into the heart of every part of the university.”
LOCAL NEWS 4
Chamber Customs
The Ultimate Business Show is back JOIN us at the P&J Live on November 18 and explore the diverse offering of organisations from hoteliers and airlines to business support and so much more. The one-day event will bring together local and national brands across a range of sectors, creating the perfect platform for you to source products or services locally, helping you save money and keep our regional economy buoyant.
Use the opportunity to connect and network with a diverse group of businesspeople, colleagues and friends, something that’s been sorely missed in 2020 thus far.
You can also drop in to one, or more, of our six 30-minute TUBSTalks taking place throughout the day and immerse yourself in the latest thinking from our inspirational speakers as they share their
perspective on ways to support the growth and development of your business. The Ultimate Business Show is free to attend and is open to members and non-members. All you need to do is register your place online. Don’t just want to attend? Opportunities are still available for you to exhibit at the event too! You
can use TUBS2020 to show off your business to a consistent stream of attendees and potential business partners. For more information on how you can stand out from the crowd and make the most of this one-day event, visit www. agcc.co.uk/events. Join the conversation on social using #TUBS2020
Finalists announced for Northern Star Business Awards 2021 THE finalists have been announced for the Northern Star Business Awards, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s celebration of business success
across the region.
This year saw a record 130 nominations submitted for the 12 categories. The judging process saw a range of business
leaders come together to scrutinise the entries and the winners of the 17th annual awards, held in association with principal sponsor Nucore Group, will be unveiled during
a glittering blacktie ceremony at P&J Live on March 11, 2021.
For the full list of the nominees, visit the Chamber website.
DELIVERED locally by the Chamber, Chamber Customs offers traders a high level of compliance with HMRC procedures and offers a direct link for customs clearance through all sea, air and road ports and terminals in the UK. With our extensive knowledge, reputation and first-class service in facilitating international trade, we can take the hassle out of your hands when it comes to exporting and importing goods. The service is offered direct to businesses and through freight forwarders, ensuring that customs clearance is accurate, timely and avoids additional costs through delays or errors. Visit agcc.co.uk for more information.
Business Bulletin
THE September edition of the Business Bulletin is out now! Focusing on numbers, this issue includes features on kickstarting the regional economy, the financial implications of CV19 and reasons to be cheerful in Aberdeen, plus a whole host of positive news stories from local businesses. Read the digital version on the Chamber website.
North East Now
LOOKING to do your bit to support local businesses? North East Now is the one-stopshop that will make it easy to get involved, from directories and information on what local produce you can pick up in the supermarket, through to inspirational stories and blogs abut a wide range of firms in the Aberdeen city region. Visit northeastnow.scot today to get involved.