International Trade

Businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire import from and export to markets all over the world. International trade is critical not only for business performance and growth, but also for overall economic growth.

Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are trusted to help British goods reach customers overseas. The Chamber continues to supply Export Documentation services for companies and deliver an Import and Export Customs Declaration service via the ChamberCustoms service. The complex world of “Docs and Decs” can be a challenge for those new to this business undertaking, and even the most seasoned professional can run into problems navigating the necessary paperwork for their shipments.

As part of our Business Manifesto 22-23, the Chamber pledged to continue to deliver international business support and advice and maintain a global network through the International Chamber of Commerce, 120 Embassies and High Commissions around the world. The Chamber plays an important role in keeping goods moving internationally, with our translation service, ATA Carnet service and Letters of Credit service, as well as promoting the latest international trade news, events webinars and updates.

As such, I am delighted to introduce the latest edition of Business Direction entitled ‘International Trade’.

Celebrating their 50th Anniversary this month, we are thrilled to feature West Midlands Safari Park in our Big Interview. Gain insight and knowledge from our Cover Features with Bishop Fleming and ETL Systems all about trading internationally.

Best regards,

Sharon

Our Patrons are:

Charities of the Year for 2023 selected at the Chamber!

We’re delighted to announce that we have selected two charities to support as our ‘Charities of the Year’ for 2023! Amicii Dog Rescue, based in Worcestershire and Yeleni Therapy & Support, based in Herefordshire were selected by a random generator and we can’t wait to start working with them!

Sharon Smith, H&W Chamber CEO said “In order to offer greater support to our Charity Members, we have decided to commence our Charity of the Year Programme for 2023. We are delighted to have chosen both Amicii Dog Rescue and Yeleni Therapy & Support: two very worthwhile and deserving charities. We look forward to supporting them throughout 2023.”

Nicky Heath, Founder at Yeleni Therapy & Support said “Here at Yeleni Therapy & Support we are thrilled and delighted to have been chosen as a Charity of the Year 2023 by H&W Chamber. We look forward to sharing our

What is an LSIP?

growth and development throughout the year with our local business community.”

Ann Pursey, Founder at Amicii Dog Rescue UK said “We are absolutely thrilled to have been selected as one of the H&W Chamber of Commerce charities of the year. We think this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our work in rehoming rescue dogs and to raise the profile of our animal welfare activities within the two counties.”

We are looking forward to meeting with the charities to discuss fundraising ideas for the upcoming months.

Time to Talk Day at H&W Chamber

Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest conversation about mental health. The campaign encourages families, communities and workplaces to come together and open up conversations. People are encouraged to talk and listen to each other to help share experiences and challenge the impact of stigma around mental health. Herefordshire & Worcestershire

Chamber of Commerce recognise the importance of their team’s health and wellbeing at work by supporting campaigns like this one. A voluntary group within the organisation have taken on the roles of ‘Stamping Out Stigma’ or ‘SOS’ Champions to support the health and wellbeing of the Chamber team.

Dawn Hardman, Director of HR at Herefordshire & Worcestershire

Chamber of Commerce said: “Supporting the wellbeing and mental health of our team is a priority for us here at the Chamber. We recognise the importance of looking after our staff and that our people are our most important asset. That’s why we have continued with a voluntary group to provide regular wellbeing activities.

Time to Talk Day is an opportunity for people to come together, talk and listen. We wanted to create an opportunity for our teams to take some time away from their desk to share their thoughts and feelings.”

Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIPs) were created to put employers more firmly at the heart of the skills system to help ensure businesses and people have the skills they need to thrive and grow, alongside improving local productivity and international competitiveness.

How can you get involved?

We need your help to form both the Worcestershire LSIP report and the Herefordshire LSIP report, and shape future skills and the labour market. The purpose of the project is to understand the skills training requirements in the next 3-5 years within different sectors and then bring together the views of employers and trainers to help look at innovative ways to deliver future training.

We need your views on how you see training evolving in your sector. How have skills shortages changed how you work, and does this provide innovative training ideas for the future?

If you’re a Herefordshire or a Worcestershire employer or educator, contact our teams today:

Worcestershire LSIP: 01905 673600

Marches LSIP: 01952 208227