International Trade

The BCC - helping

international trade in testing times

Businesses that identify a gap in the market, invent an energy-saving technology, or develop a service to help other companies become greener and more sustainable, will all prosper in a world of international trade.

Whether we are talking about a firm established for decades or a start-up of a few-years’ standing, there are usually opportunities to expand from local and national trading partners to overseas ones.

Of course, trading in a new territory brings with it new challenges as well as opportunities.

Accredited Chambers of Commerce in every nation and region of the UK are trusted to help British goods reach customers overseas.

By certifying the origin of goods, Chambers help ensure the smooth passage of UK goods across international borders. Last year alone, more than 600,000 shipments were supported in this way.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) offers 350 qualified specialists in the Chamber Network, available every working day, to help business and international trade flourish.

Expanding overseas

In every city, town and county, Chambers of Commerce provide crucial support and receive over 1,500 enquiries every week from businesses seeking advice – whether they want to expand overseas or bring parts and goods into the UK.

The Chamber was first set up in 1860 and its reputation established over 150 years means it is a trusted third party for businesses who want to expand overseas.

Each Chamber knows its local economy inside out and can provide the advice, training, support and encouragement needed for any firm new to the world of exporting.

The BCC’s brokerage business, ChamberCustoms also provides training and advice as the customs clearance agent.

It aims to help businesses expand and diversify the number of exports from the UK across the world.

In every city, town and county, Chambers of Commerce provide crucial support and receive over 1,500 enquiries every week from businesses seeking advice – whether they want to expand overseas or bring parts and goods into the UK.

The Philippines – Market Briefing Session & Virtual Trade Mission: Food & Drink (SEED)

The South East Export Development (SEED) Project provides FREE support to help Food & Drink businesses in Kent & Medway, East Sussex & Essex to get into overseas markets. This virtual market briefing session and virtual trade mission, as part of SEED’s ‘Food & Drink – the Philippines’ programme, aims to connect SELEP-based businesses to business opportunities in the Philippines market.

01 & 02 September 2022 Email: international.affairs@kent.gov.uk Its expertise means it can save businesses large chunks of time and resources by dealing with their customs declarations; simplifying the process, filing the forms and covering all additional paperwork.

Covid and Brexit

These are testing times. The combined impact of Covid-19 and Brexit means the challenges for businesses which export are the most significant in decades.

According to the Office of National Statistics, at the height of Covid in April/May 2020 the majority of exporting businesses, 72% reported that they were exporting less than normal. Similarly, 59% of importing businesses reported that they were importing less than normal.

COVID related transport restrictions, increases in transportation costs, destination countries changing their border restrictions, and closure of infrastructure all impacted export trade levels. While lockdowns may be a thing of the past now, the impact will have left a lasting impression.

With regard to Brexit, EU data reveals that exports to the bloc declined by nearly 14% in 2021 compared with 2020. Even with the impact of the pandemic being factored in, the EU insists, the increase in red tape since the transition period ended in January 2021 has taken its toll on trade in goods and services with the UK.

The return of a customs border between the EU and Great Britain is a reality. This means paperwork for virtually every product being shipped between markets, and daily checks on thousands of goods being exported.

Essentially, the goalposts have been moved but this is nothing new for businesses - trading restrictions have been tweaked or completely overhauled at various times over the centuries.

Businesses will inevitably still look for trade opportunities regardless of changing regulations that is the nature of competition; but they will need to adapt. This is where the BCC, as champions of international trade, play an important role in providing advice and support at times when it is needed. Trade may not be as frictionless as it once was, but the BCC’s aim is to make it as easy as possible.