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Growth and Innovation speakers announced for The Big Debate 2022

The Big Debate returns as a face-to-face event at The Halls, St Andrews Plain, giving you the opportunity to engage with Norfolk MPs and business leaders. The event brings together Norfolk MPs, and local business leaders to discuss and debate key issues affecting businesses in the region, this high-profile annual policy event is a key date in the commercial calendar for the start of 2022. The topics for 2022 will be:

  • People, Skills, and Wellbeing
  • Transport and Infrastructure
  • Growth and Innovation
  • Climate Change

We are very pleased to announce our Growth and Innovation panellists are; George Freeman, Mid Norfolk MP, Alex Sellers, Director of Learning of Turning Factor and Ashley Shorey-Mills, Head of Sizewell C of Suffolk Chambers of Commerce. George Freeman, Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman was elected to Parliament in 2010 after a 15-year career in the Cambridge cluster founding high-growth technology companies. After serving as Government Life Science Adviser and launching the landmark Life Sciences Industrial Strategy in 2011, he was appointed as the UK’s first ever Minister for Life Sciences in 2014, leading an £18bn portfolio across the Departments of Health and Business and launching the Accelerated Access Review and championing the role of genomics, patient data and UK healthcare innovation. In 2016, George was promoted to become Chair of the Prime Minister’s Policy Board at Number 10. He also served as Minister of State for Decarbonisation, Disconnection & Digitalisation at the Department for Transport and helped lead the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Innovation, Growth and Regulatory Reform (TIGRR). He has founded and launched the Reform for Resilience Health Commission with fellow commissioners including Malcolm Turnbull (former Prime Minister of Australia), Lord Hague (former UK Foreign Secretary), José Manuel Barroso (former President of the European Commission), Professor Michelle Williams (Dean of Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health) and Roula Khalaf (Editor of the Financial Times) before being appointed as Minister for Science, Research and Innovation at BEIS in 2021. After graduating from Cambridge University, Freeman worked in the burgeoning Cambridge tech cluster founding and financing high-growth biomedical start-ups. He was Director of Early Stage Ventures at Merlin Biosciences, CEO of Amedis Pharma and founder and Managing Director of 4D Biomedical where he worked around the UK putting together translational medical research collaborations with UK Universities, Hospitals and Life Science Companies. Alex Sellers, Director of Learning of Turning Factor Alex has over 20 years’ operational management experience in the hospitality sector and a further 10 years in learning and development leadership roles. Throughout his frontline management career, his passion, enthusiasm, and people centric approach often meant that he was tasked with improving failing businesses. Key to his success were engaging his teams and customers alike in his vision and values and encouraging collaborative and open-minded approaches – effective working practices he believes in passionately and employs to this day. His unique experience, genuine interest in people and authenticity has helped Alex become an expert in leading people, building relationships and learning and development practices. Alex now works as a Director for Turning Factor and also operates as a leadership and business coach. Working across sectors (public, private and voluntary) and organisations, Alex has designed and run modern, innovative and industry leading learning and development programmes that have delivered sustainable impact for both the organisations and the people involved. Alex is driven by a passion for helping people develop to their full potential and is a firm believer that people and teams can be empowered through self-awareness, leadership, communication, and taking the right action at the right time. He has an exemplary track record of encouraging behavioural change and new perspectives in the people he works with. Ashley Shorey-Mills, Head of Sizewell C of Suffolk Chambers of Commerce Ashley Shorey-Mills heads up the Sizewell C Supply Chain as part of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. He and his team are there to guide and support the huge range of regional businesses, to ensure that Sizewell C is build using local people and local companies, and that we leave a legacy for the regions supply chain and business community. Originally from Essex, Ashley began work straight from school and spent over 20 years with Hughes, the East Anglian Electrical retailer, working his way from sales through to senior management. During this time, his passion for working with people really took shape and he has spent huge proportions of his career helping others to develop and grow, whilst also focussing heavily on high levels of service and care. Outside of standard work, Ashley has a young family with 2 children and lives with his wife, daughter and son in Suffolk and has now officially spent more of his life in Suffolk than Essex and is passionate about where he lives. He also has dedicated some of his time to volunteering at schools, as his passion for learning and supporting the next generation drives what he does, especially with his own children in mind. Once a keen sportsman (but age catches up with us all at times), he is a big football fan (and can sit back and enjoy the old farm derby as neither allegiance affects him), but will happily enjoy watching absolutely any sport possible. In June of last year, Ashley took on the role at the Suffolk Chamber. He believes that this is a once in a generation opportunity for our region and is passionate about local business and making the most of every single opportunity. He believes by working with the other regional chambers, as well as close partnerships with EDF and Sizewell C, we can truly bring a legacy to East Anglia, that will put us on the map for being a beautiful, but also investable and business ready part of our country.  He wants to work with every single type of business possible, to showcase exactly what makes us special. Hayley Johnson, Director of Operations for FXhome Hayley is a dynamic and award-winning operations leader who has spent her career driving forward some of our region’s most successful brands. She’s been in the leadership team of Aviva, held the COO role for Norwich’s enormously successful Epos Now, and served us Property and Portfolio director for Hoseasons, playing a major role in supporting the tourism sector and park home owners in the midst of the pandemic. Today, she’s Director of Operations for FXhome (now part of globally renowned Artlist) and is passionate about championing the role of diversity in tech. She’s fiercely proud to be living and working within Norfolk and is consistently vocal about creating opportunities to attract, recruit and retain professional talent in the region. Hayley is a keen participant in business groups and networks such as TechEast, Sync the City and the East Anglia Digital Skills Taskforce.

Norfolk Chambers: Director of the Board Vacancies

We hope as valued Chamber members that you are aware of our compelling Mission: ‘To Connect, Support and Give Voice to Every Business in Norfolk.’ This mission is backed further by a strong vision: ‘What You Need is What We Do’. To achieve both requires guidance and support from a very special group of our members.  People who both share our passion and are also, as willing representatives of the business community, ensuring all Chamber activities and actions support the Mission and shape the Vision – This group being our wonderful Board members. ‘Ready Steady Grow’ Norfolk Chambers has been on a journey of transformation, that will culminate in a modern, culturally and digitally relevant organisation, fit for another 125 years.  Our five year plan, starting in 2022, will capitalise on the huge modernisation efforts and changes of the last 5 years and enable revenue growth from innovation, made possible by the work to date. Over the five year period, we seek to achieve further relevancy via greater engagement; digital enhancements; a strong member focus; and the ability to provide our members with the tools to digitally display their wares and articulate their needs. Our Board members help influence and shape the strategic direction of the Norfolk Chambers.  They are representative of the Norfolk business community, in terms of sector and geography, as well as from a diversity and equality perspective. To help with these future plans, we are seeking to recruit between four to six new Board Members and are particularly interested in candidates with the following attributes:

  • Sectors: Manufacturing, Engineering, Digital & ICT and Financial/Legal
  • Business people at the start of their careers
  • Business people that represent that widest community
  • Micro businesses and Sole Traders

However, any applicants from outside these areas will of course be considered. In addition to being a champion for your own sector, as a full member of the Board you will be responsible for supporting the operational and strategic direction of the company. Candidate Criteria – Knowledge, Skills, Experience Essential

  • A Board Member must be a member of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce

Desirable

  • Holds a senior position Director, owner, or equivalent influence
  • Can demonstrate experience working within a Board structure or with their personal sector groups
  • Knowledge of non-profit organisations
  • Knowledge of strategy, planning, budgets
  • Knowledge and experience of the needs of SMEs
  • Demonstrated ability to facilitate organisational growth
  • A keen and comfortable networker
  • Participation at all quarterly Board meetings, including the Annual General Meeting and other meetings as required
  • Enthusiasm, drive and a passion for Norfolk and its business community.

The deadline for applications to be received is Friday 25 February 2022 and initial selection interviews will be held on Monday 07 or Wednesday 09 March 2022, followed by final interviews on 18 March. Successful candidates will be notified of interview by no later than 02 March.  For more information on the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, please visit our website: www.norfolkchamber.co.uk If you are interested in being considered for a position on the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Board, we would ask you to complete the online application form. Please send the completed form to: [email protected]

Progression to Apprenticeships (P2A)

P2A aims to increase the number of young people in jobs by creating an exclusive package of financial and practical support for both the employer and the apprentice to transition from Kickstart onto an Apprenticeship: Financial assistance

  • £1500 incentive; £500 paid on signup, £1000 paid after 12 weeks
  • 6 6-month wage contribution; paid upfront in two installments, based on 37.5 hours a week at Apprenticeship NMW (one at sign up and one after 12 weeks)

Practical support

  • 5 hours of individualised Apprenticeships Norfolk wrap-around support
  • Funded training for the employer  (e.g. Mentoring, Managing Remotely, Digital Skills etc)
  • Funded training for the apprentice (e.g. Digital Skills, Resilience/Mental Health, Planning & Organisation, Assertiveness etc)

How do I find out more/apply? If you are an SME, and you would like to know more about P2A, click here to read about the project and access the Terms & Conditions for eligibility. If you feel your business could be a fit for P2A, please complete the initial Assessment on this link , and wait to hear from the team!

Chambers find rising cyber-attack fears in hybrid working world

  • More than half of firms believe their exposure to attack has increased due to working from home arrangements
  •  One in 10 firms have been the victim of a cyber-attack in the last year
  •  This rises to more than one in seven for larger firms with more than 50 employees
  • Only one in five firms have cyber-security accreditations in place

A new survey of almost 1,000 UK firms, of all sectors and sizes, has revealed that more than half believe their IT systems have been left more exposed to attack following the huge increase in people working from home during the pandemic.

The research by the British Chambers of Commerce and IT company, Cisco, also found that one in 10 firms said they had been the victim of a cyber-attack in the last year, rising to more than one in seven for larger firms.

Yet despite this, four out of five firms said they did not currently have accredited cyber-security measures in place to protect against attacks.

Reacting to the findings, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:

“The huge shift to home working, and the use of cloud computing, for tens of thousands of employees happened almost overnight, so it is not surprising that many firms were caught out by the implications this had for their cyber-security arrangements.

“All of the BCC’s research indicates that a shift to a more hybrid way of working, with many staff now splitting their time between the office and home, is here to stay, so it is more vital than ever that firms have the right cyber-security protections in place.

“With one in 10 firms confirming they have come under attack in the last year, the need to take action now could not be more important.”

Aine Rogers, Head of Small Business, Cisco UK & Ireland, said:

“The lines between professional and personal are more blurred than ever. Organisations are no longer just protecting an ‘office’ but a workforce at the kitchen table.

“As businesses and individuals, we’re more exposed than ever to security threats. Whether it’s fraudulent SMS campaigns, posing to be a delivery company, targeted social engineering to access the passwords for your customer database, or hacking your home network, criminals in the cyber world are cunning.

“That’s why we need to evolve thinking to focus on securing your employees and what they are doing, not where they are.”

Photo credit: Getty Images/ Chamber Canva Pro 2022

People, Skills and Wellbeing speakers announced for The Big Debate

For 2022, The Big Debate returns as a face-to-face event at The Halls, St Andrews Plain, giving you the opportunity to engage with Norfolk MPs and business leaders. The event brings together Norfolk MPs, and local business leaders to discuss and debate key issues affecting businesses in the region, this high-profile annual policy event is a key date in the commercial calendar for the start of 2022. The topics for 2022 will be:

  • People, Skills, and Wellbeing
  • Transport and Infrastructure
  • Growth and Innovation
  • Climate Change

We are very pleased to announce our People, skills and Wellbeing speakers; Chloe Smith, Conservative MP, Rebecca White, CEO of Your Own Place, Jerry White, Deputy Principal of City College and David Melloy, Business Development at Ascot Lloyd. Chloe Smith, MP  Chloe Smith gets things done for Norwich North.  With thirteen years of experience as an MP, she’s an effective, energetic campaigner for the city. She’s won billions of pounds of investment for Norwich like new trains, new roads, new surgeries and hospital upgrades.  She is founder of a project that’s got over 2000 of Norwich young people into work. Her work locally is unlike any other MP: she has built a project which has directly helped bring down youth unemployment in the city faster than elsewhere in the country. Chloe grew up in Norfolk, she went to two comprehensive schools in West Norfolk, followed by York University where she studied English. Before being elected to Parliament, Chloe worked for Deloitte, a leading international firm which advises private businesses, government departments and public bodies. Chloe is currently Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work at the Department for Work and Pensions. In this role she uses her 8 years of first-hand experience from the Norwich for Jobs project, which she founded in 2013. The ongoing project, in partnership with the DWP and local private sector and third sector organisations, focuses on helping young people aged 18-24 into work and supporting those with mild to moderate physical and mental disabilities. Chloe is a member of the Wensum Academy Trust and has been chair of governors for a constituency primary school too. She has helped lead the Norwich Opportunity Area, because she believes in working both nationally and locally to lead improvements for the life chances of the poorest children in Norwich. Chloe’s a mum of two, committed to her family as well as her community.  If there’s any spare time left for hobbies she loves cycling and would like to take up kayaking! David Melloy, Business Development Manager, Ascot Lloyd David is responsible for creating and leading business development initiatives for Ascot Lloyd, further driving organic growth for the business. David brings over 25 years of experience within financial services, across business development, financial advice and portfolio management. David has a wealth of experience in promoting the value of financial planning and integrated investment advice to high net worth clients. Rebecca White, CEO Your Own Place Rebecca White is the CEO and Founder of Your Own Place CIC.  As a qualified secondary school teacher with years of experience working with people from all backgrounds as well as commissioners, politicians, business people and leaders, Rebecca exemplifies the successful combination of operational, strategic and business experience. What really drives Rebecca is social inequality.  By the roll of a dice a person’s life chances are dramatically altered. Homelessness is just one manifestation of this and until people have equality of opportunity Rebecca will work tirelessly to champion people facing disadvantage not of their own making. Jerry White, Deputy Principal City College Norfolk born and bred, Jerry began his professional career in Kent as a University Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, specialising in Sport and Exercise Psychology and the Sociology of Sport.  In this role he worked not only with University students, but also with elite and professional sports people and junior sports teams. Following a return to Norfolk in 2002 he held a number of roles within the Norfolk County Council’s Adult Education Service. In 2009 Jerry joined City College Norwich where he has been Deputy Principal since 2012. In this role he has key oversight for all aspects of the College’s provision, with a particular focus on Higher Education and the development of Adult Skills. Jerry holds a number of Board memberships including serving on Norwich City Council Towns Deal Board, the Productivity East External Board, as a Council Member for the Cambridge Access Validating Agency (which develops Access to Higher Education courses) and sitting on the UEA Learning and Teaching Committee. Jerry is also the FE representative on the Executive Group for the Network for East Anglian Collaborative Outreach (neaco, part of the UniConnect programme), facilitating communication with the college sector for the project. As a sector leader, Jerry chair’s the Association of College’s national Policy Group for Teaching and Learning and the New Anglia College’s Group Deputy Principal group. In addition, he currently co-chairs the Post 16 SEN Strategy Group for Norfolk. Jerry served as a school governor for over a decade at primary and secondary school levels including serving as a Governor of the University Technical College Norfolk. Jerry holds a Non-Executive Director’s position with the company RCU Ltd, which provides data analysis services to Further and Higher Education institutions and organisations. Make sure you are part of the debate on Friday 04 February 2022 – Book you ticket here.  

QES Q4 2021: Recovery weakening as inflation worries soar

  • 65% of Norfolk firms expect their prices to increase in the next three months and 78% of businesses cited inflation as a concern
  • 1 in 4 (27%) Norfolk manufacturing firms were worried about rising interest rates, as concerns over rate hikes reach record high 
  • Just over half of Norfolk firms (47%) reported increased domestic sales in Q4, compared to 45% in Q3
  • 13% of Norfolk firms reported increases in export sales orders, compared to 17% in Q3

The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) – the UK’s largest independent survey of business sentiment and a leading indicator of UK GDP growth – has shown the recovery stalled in the fourth quarter, with firms facing unprecedented inflationary pressures. The survey of almost 5,500 firms, including those from Norfolk, showed that some indicators also revealed a continued stagnation in the proportion of firms reporting improved cashflow and increased investment. Inflation is the top issue for firms, while a rise in the interest rate was also a cause for concern for many. Norfolk Business activity: 47% of respondents overall reported increased domestic sales in Q4, only a slight increase from 45% in Q3. 21% reported a decrease, an increase from 16% in Q3.    Advance domestic orders slowed, with over a third of firms (36%) reporting a decrease. In the Norfolk services sector, the balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales increased to +52% in Q4 from +45% in Q3, however sales orders dropped to +36% in Q4, from +48% in Q3. In the Norfolk manufacturing sector, the balance of firms reporting increased domestic sales was +36% in Q4, down from +45% in Q3. Prior to the surge in Omicron infections, hotels and catering had been most likely to report increased domestic sales (55%). This represented the beginning of a potential recovery as the sector was also the most likely to report decreased sales throughout the rest of the pandemic. 94% reported decreased sales and cash flow at the start of the pandemic in Q2 2020. Worryingly, a similar decline is now possible in the face of the Omicron variant and the implementation of Plan B which led to new restrictions for some. Unprecedented Inflationary Pressures:   65% of Norfolk firms expect their prices to increase in the next three months, the highest on record.  The percentage expecting an increase rises dramatically to 87% for production and manufacturing firms. When asked whether firms were facing pressures to raise prices from the following factors, 100% of Norfolk manufacturers cited raw materials, 40% cited other overheads, 40% cited pay settlements, and 7% cited finance costs. When asked what was more of a concern to their business than three months ago, 78% of firms overall cited inflation (compared to 60% in Q3 and 36% in Q4 2020), the highest on record. For production and manufacturing firms, this rises to 87%. Concerns over higher interest rates rise sharply: The percentage citing interest rates as a concern rose in the quarter. Nearly 1 in 5 firms (20%) reported interest rates as a concern, up from 19% in Q3. The percentage mentioning interest rates as worry among manufacturers stood at 27% in Q4 and up from 22% in Q3. Little recovery to Cash Flow: For Norfolk firms overall, 33% reported an increase to cash flow, while 57% reported no change and only 9% reported a decrease. Given these figures were reported before the full impact of Omicron and the introduction of Plan B, this metric is a cause for concern, as some firms are still struggling to recover from large scale losses incurred since the start of the pandemic. Most Norfolk firms still not investing: Investment in plant, machinery, or equipment remained weak in Q4, with 38% overall reporting an increase, while 52% reported no change, and 10% a decline. Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Our latest survey suggests that UK’s economic recovery slowed in the final quarter of 2021 as mounting headwinds increasingly limited the key indicators of activity. “The persistent weakness in cash flow is troubling because it leaves businesses more exposed to the economic impact of Omicron, rising inflation and potential further restrictions. “The record rise in price pressures suggests that a substantial inflationary surge is likely in the coming months. Rising raw material costs, higher energy prices and the reversal of the VAT reduction for hospitality are likely to push inflation above 6% by April. “The notable uptick in concerns over higher interest rates underscores the need for the Bank of England to proceed with caution on further rate rises to avoid undermining confidence and an already fragile recovery. “The UK economy is starting 2022 facing some key challenges. The renewed reluctance among consumers to spend and staff shortages triggered by the Omicron variant and Plan B may mean that UK GDP falls in the near term, particularly if more restrictions are needed. “Rising inflation is likely to weaken the UK’s growth prospects this year by eroding consumers’ spending power and squeezing firms’ profit margins and ability to invest.” Responding to the findings, Nova Fairbank, Chief Operating Officer for Norfolk Chambers said: “The Chambers’ latest Quarterly Economic Survey paints a challenging picture for the UK economy as we start 2022. “Many local businesses were facing a struggle to improve their cashflow and raise investment even before the Omicron variant surged and Plan B was imposed. “Supply chain disruption is continuing to persist, inflation is soaring, and rising energy costs are presenting firms with a huge headache. “With companies now having to grapple with the impact of Omicron and further changes to the rules on imports and exports of goods to the EU, there are significant hurdles for Norfolk businesses in the months ahead.” Also commenting on the QES results, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Haviland, said:  “The Government has listened to our previous calls for support, and it must do all it can to steady the ship and steer the economy through these uncertain times. If the current restrictions persist or are tightened further then a more comprehensive support package that matches the scale of any new measures, will need to be put in place. “The focus must be on creating the best possible environment for businesses to grow and thrive. By supporting firms, they can begin to generate wealth, create jobs and support communities. “That is by far the best way to sustainably deliver the tax revenue the government needs to support public services and the wider economy.” Photo credit: Norfolk Chambers

Brexit: One year on – so what’s changed?

We have just passed the one year anniversary of Brexit, when the UK left the European Union.  The UK left the Brexit standstill transition period on its expiry on Friday 1 January 2021. The terms of the new EU-UK trading arrangements – in the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) – took effect the same day. In accordance with this, the EU decided to introduce full border controls on GB goods from Friday 1 January 2021.  The UK government decided to defer the implementation of inbound GB border controls in respect of EU goods. That deferment period ended on 31 December 2021 and Customs and Border controls on EU goods came into effect on Saturday 1 January 2022. Commenting on the border changes, Nova Fairbank, Chief Operating Officer for Norfolk Chambers said: “The cost of importing and exporting has increased considerably since Brexit in January 2021.  We have also seen a reduction in the volume of import and exports between the UK and the EU.  The Norfolk business community have persevered and in the main, managed to get a handle on the requirements for importing and exporting their goods between the UK and the EU. However, the last 12 months have been a transition period where goods could be sent and the paperwork completed afterwards, but as of 01 January 2022, there has been a significant tightening of the rules and some very important changes. “When moving goods from the EU to the UK – you need to have completed the paperwork before the goods arrive at the UK border and there have been approx. 351 tariff amendments, so you need to double-check your commodity codes. There is also a new Goods Vehicle Movement System introduced and EU customers and suppliers will need to register for the UK database IPAFFS to pre-notify on plant and products of animal origin. It is vitally important that businesses understand the forthcoming changes and implement them correctly to avoid incurring delays and to enable their goods to be imported and exported across the GB/EU borders smoothly. Click here to view the business checklist for the GB/EU border changes in 2022. Photo credit: Getty Images/ Chamber Canva Pro 2022

Try the new ChamberCustoms UK Import Tax Calculator

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).

Latest information from HMRC on moving goods between the EU and the UK

HMRC has produced a series of new leaflets aimed at supporting those moving goods from the EU to Great Britain.

  • If you move goods between the EU and Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), you must register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) now.  Find out more – click here.
  • New guidance on claiming preferences under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) – Click Here.
  • The latest version of the UK Integrated Online Tariff for 2022 can be found here

Julie, Sam and Ethan, our Norfolk Chambers International Team are experts in their field and stand ready to support you in all your international trade needs.  If you have a question do get in touch. [email protected] Tel: 01603 729 716

Nova Fairbank talks to the BBC on challenges facing businesses trading with the EU

In a recent article from the BBC our Chief operating officer, Nova Fairbank talks about the challenges businesses are facing, following changes brought in on January 1st regarding new paperwork requirements. “Most businesses have coped with all the new red tape in the first year, but it has been hard”. West Norfolk Chamber Member, Richard Finney, owner of Captain Fawcett, a supplier of gentlemen’s grooming products also spoke to the BBC. “There are still some teething problems but things are a lot better’. You can view the full BBC article here

Full on Brexit: ChamberCustoms webinar series

Staged Customs Controls end on 31 December, meaning that the free flow of goods that has prevailed since Brexit Day will come to an end. All EU imports will need to be accounted for with a full customs declaration. There will be new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) arrangements, new pre-notification deadlines and a new inspection regime. This will apply to all EU exports and imports. This webinar will discuss the changes and what practical steps you can take to reduce the possibility that your goods will be delayed at the UK border as well as what economic impact we should expect from the full implementation of the Trade Continuity Agreement. If you have any questions, or need any help from our International Team – Contact us at: [email protected]

International Trade Survey Results: ChamberCustoms webinar series

Against a backdrop of Brexit and Covid disruption, manufacturers are experiencing huge increases in the cost of labour, energy and raw materials. This pre-recorded session presents the results of our latest International Trade Survey and reveal the impact that the past year has had on trader confidence, investment plans, new markets and getting goods into and out of the UK. Just what impact has the TCA had on exports to the EU and what confidence have traders gained in expanding their global reach under the UK Free Trade Agreements? Joined by: Liam Smyth, Director of Trade Facilitation at British Chambers of Commerce / Managing Director at ChamberCustoms David Bharier, Head of Research at British Chambers of Commerce Martin Ma, Group Financial Controller at Rayner Intraocular Lenses Limited Chaz Walia, Deputy Director at  DIT – Export Support Service If you have any questions, or need any help from our International Team – Contact us at: [email protected]