5 minute read
Hertfordshire Global
Chamber Export team
continues to help companies export goods worldwide
The months are rolling along at
breakneck speed, and we are, incredibly, already into the new financial year with Easter been and gone. Brexit continues to throw up new challenges (27 countries with 27 import policies) and we continue to field a variety of questions and queries relating to that, along with the sanctions against Russia and Belarus.
Please do not forget we are here to help and will do our best to resolve any problems you may have. We are finding, on a positive note, that there do seem to be solutions to most of them. And to prove the point that trade is still very much alive and flourishing, in the first three months of the year, the Export team at the Chamber has helped over 200 companies export just over £125 million of goods worldwide.
In other news, we are working alongside Dacorum Borough Council on an exciting International Trade support project, whereby we are identifying companies based in the Dacorum area, who are either new to exporting and need help along the exporting road or who are currently exporting but would like to do more. At the time of writing, we still have some spaces available so if anyone in the Dacorum region would like to be considered for the project, please do contact
johnwoodruffe@hertschamber.com
We would love to hear from you. The 12-month long project comprises a combination of training courses, expert advice and potentially a virtual trade mission to an overseas location. All we ask in return is your 100% commitment.
For any companies which import goods from Europe to distribute here, you should be aware that from 1 January 2023 these goods will require the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark. This regime is a new product marking that is used for goods being placed on the market in Great Britain. It covers most goods which previously required the CE marking and, like the CE mark, demonstrates that all the requirements of the legislation have been met. Exporting companies must be ready to use the UKCA marking from 1 January 2023 for most goods, although you should look to use the UKCA marking as soon as possible.
There is an exception for medical devices, which must use the UKCA marking by the 1 July 2023.
For further information please refer to www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-ukcamarking
We are planning more webinars with overseas Chambers and Embassies in the coming weeks. These will include Egypt and some South and Central American countries. Dates are being finalised but they will be widely advertised.
Upcoming Training Events:
We continue to look at ways to enhance our training and we are planning to bring in accredited training leading to recognised certification. If anyone wishes to suggest training courses, we will definitely look into their viability.
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need any assistance with your exports. export@hertschamber.com
Export growth now stagnant for one year as BCC sounds warning on trade
• Proportion of UK exporters reporting increased export sales (29%) was largely unchanged for the fourth quarter running • Proportion reporting decreased sales historically high at 25%, also little changed since one year ago in Q1 2021 • Exporters more likely than non-exporters to expect increases to their prices in coming months
A survey of over 2,700 UK exporters has revealed that export sales growth has been effectively stagnant for the past year. The BCC’s quarterly Trade Confidence Outlook showed the proportion of exporters reporting increased overseas sales to be unchanged from Q4 at 29%, while those reporting a decrease rose one point to 25%. The data showed that manufacturers were more likely to report increased export sales than either business to business service firms (such as lawyers or accountants) or business to consumer service firms (like online clothing stores).
In past 3 months exports sales have... Increased Remained constant Decreased
Exporting manufacturers 32% 42% 26%
Exporting B2B Services 26% 56% 17%
Exporting B2C Services 26% 42% 32%
Conversely, B2B service exporters were more likely than either manufacturers or B2C service exporters to expect profitability to increase in the coming year.
Over the next 12 months, do you believe your profitability will... Increased Remained constant Decreased
Exporting manufacturers
44% 29% 27%
Exporting B2B Services
55% 29% 16%
Exporting B2C Services
45% 30% 24%
Responding to the findings, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, William Bain said: “This data confirms our concerns – that for the last year there was a broadly flat picture for UK exports. This is in contrast with the performance of our near neighbours, with Germany’s exports both within and outside the Single Market steaming ahead by double digit margins and with trade losses from the pandemic already effectively recovered.” “UK exporters are facing the headwinds of higher red tape costs from trading with the EU, raised raw material pressures, and ongoing issues in global shipping markets. If we are to realise the aspirations of the UK Government’s Export Strategy then 2022 has to be the year where these structural factors holding back our exporters are addressed.” “Sustained export growth should be powering our economic recovery from the pandemic. Chambers and their members are already working hard to increase exports but need more substantive measures from Government now.”
