Commenting on the inflation statistics for November 2021, published today by the Office for National Statistics, Head of Economics at the BCC Suren Thiru, said: “The ONS latest figures confirms that the surge in inflation continued unabated in November. “The increase largely reflected higher fuel prices and strong base effects which pushed up clothing and footwear prices in comparison with November 2020. Stronger growth in producer prices points to an acceleration of cost pressures in supply chains, indicating that inflation will drift higher over the coming months. “It is concerning that inflation is outpacing wages and if this disparity continues to increase as we predict, real household incomes will be squeezed further, dampening consumer spending, and weakening overall economic activity. “Inflationary pressures are expected to intensify in the near term as the rising cost of imported raw materials, higher energy prices and the reversal of the VAT reduction for hospitality and tourism drives inflation materially higher by the middle of 2022. “Omicron could accelerate the current surge in inflation if restrictions in the UK and overseas to combat the new variant triggers more supply chain disruption. “Despite surging inflation, a December interest rate rise remains improbable given concerns over Omicron. While rates will rise sooner rather than later, with the current inflationary spike mostly driven by global supply constraints and price pressures, higher rates will do little to curb further price rises. “Greater support is immediately needed for those businesses impacted by Plan B, including making additional grant funding available and reverting the VAT for hospitality and tourism back to its emergency rate of 5%.” Photo credit: Getty Images/ Chamber Canva Pro 2022
09 and 10 March 2022 Royal Norfolk Showground, Costessey, Norfolk, NR5 0TT The Norfolk & Suffolk Skills and Careers Festival is back for another interactive event aimed at young people to help inspire them for their future career and to demonstrate the various options available. Groups from schools and colleges will arrive in organised time slots throughout the two-day festival. Individuals are welcome to attend too. The event aims to attract 7,500 visitors. Commenting on the event, Andrea Wilson said: “This is a great opportunity for Norfolk busineses to get involved. You can connect with Norfolk and Suffolk’s young people – your potential future workforce, both to demonstrate and talk about the key skills involved in your sector and to break down unhelpful myths. The Festival will provide a platform to connect with talented youngsters who could become gifted prospective employees.” The Festival will be structured around thirteen sectors including: Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, ICT – Digital & Creative, Financial & Business Services, Leisure, Tourism & Culture, Food &Farming, Science & Innovation, Health & Social Care, Construction, Logistics, Education & Training, Public Services, Retail, and Enterprise & Careers advice. The Festival is run on a not for profit basis and the organising partners include: Norfolk County Council, Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association, Archant, City College Norwich, Easton College, Beacon East, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and Norwich School. COVID Information: Please be aware the organsiers will be enlarging the spacing between exhibitors, increasing ventilation in the venue, providing sanitising stations and face coverings will be recommended. To book your stand click here to complete the booking form.For more information, please click here.
Action for Importers – new requirements for importing products of animal origin (POAO) and animal by-products (ABP) from the European Union (EU) to Great Britain (GB) Following the Government announcement in September 2021 that certain EU to GB Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) import controls will begin from 1 July 2022, we want to remind you of the requirements that will still come into force from 1 January 2022. Whilst certification, documentary, ID and physical checks, by commodity groups for products of animal origin, animal by-products, plant and plant products, will be introduced in three phases between July and November 2022, the requirement for pre-notifying consignments starts on 1 January 2022. From 1 January 2022, businesses importing products of animal origin, animal by-products and high risk foods not of animal origin (HRFNAO) must pre-notify consignments at least four hours in advance of arriving into Great Britain. The pre-notification must be made via the Import of products, animals, food and feed system (IPAFFS). To help you get ready for these new requirements we have incorporated key information you need into this document. Please take the time to read and understand the actions needed to continue importing from the EU into GB from 1 January 2022. Additionally, you can refer to the Border Operating Model for further information. You can view and download the Border Operating Model below20211117_november_bordersopmodel_final.pdf
Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, CBE, President of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “We have been calling on the UK Government for several months to set out what contingency plans for business would look like if further restrictions were needed this winter. Yet again, firms are now being asked to make changes at the very last minute. Restrictions will also impact on consumer behaviour with knock on effects which could risk the fragile recovery, order books and revenues. “Many businesses have only just begun to get back on their feet and this move will inevitably damage business confidence. Critically, firms need to know that the Government will support them through this next period. “The Government must once again stand shoulder to shoulder with business and provide a package of support to ensure that we get through a challenging winter without serious damage to our economic recovery.” On Work From Home “A return to advice that staff should work from home ‘where they can’ will come at a huge cost to swathes of businesses. “While many firms now have well established remote or hybrid working practices, which will provide some resilience, there will be many more that will be badly affected by reduced footfall in our towns and city centres. “This will impact on business revenues at a time when many needed to have a prosperous festive season. We need to have grant support in place for all firms affected and their supply chains.” On Covid Passports “We need to immediately see full details from Government of how businesses will be expected to implement this policy. “Chamber businesses have told us repeatedly that this could prove difficult to implement and police effectively without comprehensive support and clear guidance. The full backing of Government and authorities is needed in enforcing this policy which can often put staff at risk of harassment or even violence. “In addition, they will need to understand urgently where legal responsibility for compliance with the policy sits. Businesses will have a strong preference for legal responsibility to sit with individuals to comply, as it does with facemasks.” “Firms will also want early clarity on whether booster shots will play any part in the scheme.” On Self Isolation Changes “We welcome the pragmatic step to allow contacts of Omicron cases to leave self-isolation per daily negative lateral flow test results. This will give businesses providing critical services a chance to maintain staff levels at a time when these are already strained by labour shortages and will help to avoid another ‘pingdemic’.”
Yesterday, the UK government announced that it has moved to Plan B Coronavirus restrictions in England. See BCC’s response to the announcement here. The key measures to note include: From Friday 10 December: The legal requirement to wear a face mask has been extended to most public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas. There will be exemptions where it is not practical, such as when eating, drinking, exercising and singing. From Monday 13 December: The re-introduction of working from home where possible. Employers were advised to use the rest of week to discuss arrangements with employees. Where employees have to go to their workplace, they are advised to reduce contacts to reduce transmission. From Wednesday 15 December: The NHS Covid Pass will be mandatory for entry into nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather. This includes unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any venue with more than 10,000 people. The NHS Covid Pass can still be obtained with two doses of the vaccine, but this will be kept under review as the boosters roll out. Alternatively, a negative lateral flow test can be shown. There would be a small number of exemptions for medical reasons and for those on clinical trials. Businesses can download the NHS Pass Verifier which will scan someone’s vaccine passport and hold the data within the NHS, so removing any barrier or GDPR concern. Daily tests will be introduced for Omicron contacts rather than self-isolation to keep people safe while minimising the disruption to daily life.
The UK economy will grow at a slower pace than expected with trade set to lag significantly behind the wider recovery, according to the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) latest economic forecast. UK Economic Outlook – 2021The leading business group has downgraded its expectations for UK GDP growth in 2021 from 7.1% to 6.8%. The downgrade reflects the expectation that the UK’s economic recovery will stall in the final quarter of 2021. However, GDP growth of 6.8% would still be the strongest outturn since official records began in 1949.1 following the historic contraction of 9.7% in 2020. Following GDP growth of 1.3% in Q3, UK GDP growth is forecast to slow to 0.5% in Q4 2021, as staff shortages, supply chain disruption and rising inflation stifle activity. Concern over the Omicron variant is also expected to weigh on Q4 growth by triggering some hesitancy among consumers to socialise and spend. Consequently, the UK economy is only expected to return to its pre-pandemic level in Q2 2022, one quarter later than predicted in the BCC’s previous forecast. UK Economic Outlook – 2022GDP growth is now projected to slow down by more than expected to 4.2% in 2022, from our previous forecast of 5.2%. The 2022 downgrade largely reflectsa softer outlook for consumer spending as the squeeze on incomes from high inflation limits the gains from an increasingly robust labour market and the anticipated running down of household savings built-up during lockdowns. That said, consumer spending is still expected to be the main driver of the UK economy next year. The downgrade also reflects the anticipated squeeze on activity from ongoing staff shortages, supply chain disruption and rising cost pressures. Manufacturing is expected to be the worst hit with output growth revised downwards by 2.1 percentage points for 2022, followed by construction (revised down by 0.9 percentage points). TradeTrade is forecast to make a negative contribution to UK GDP over the forecast period. UK exports are forecast to decline by 2.8% this year and remain 14.9% (£27.7 billion) lower than their pre-pandemic level by the end of the forecast period in Q4 2023. In contrast, overall UK GDP is projected to be 3.4% higher than its pre-pandemic level by the end of the forecast period. This reflects the challenging outlook for UK exporters amid the ongoing disruption to international trade flows from Covid and continued post-Brexit disruption to trade with the EU. Inflation and Interest Rates The rising cost of imported raw materials and higher energy prices, are expected to lift CPI inflation to a peak of 5.2% in Q2 2022, which if realised would be the highest rate since September 2011. However, if the current global supply chain disruption eases in the second half of 2022 as assumed in the BCC’s latest forecast, inflation is expected to drift back towards the Bank of England’s 2% target by the middle of 2023. UK interest rates are projected to remain on hold at next week’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting with concerns over the impact of the Omicron variant on the economy likely to delay the anticipated rate hike. Two interest rate rises are forecast over 2022 – 15 percentage points in February 2022 and 25 percentage points in November 2022. A further 25 percentage points interest rate rise is expected in 2023, thereby fully reversing the pandemic response interest rate cuts in March 2020. The BCC forecast assumes no renewal of lockdown restrictions. The reintroduction of such measures would lead to revisions in the BCC’s next forecast.Commenting on the forecast, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Our latest outlook suggests that the loss of momentum in the third quarter was more than just a temporary blip, with UK growth forecast to be more subdued for a sustained period as supply disruption, staff shortages and surging inflation limits activity. “The downgrades to our forecast reflect a moderating outlook for key areas of the UK economy, including consumer spending and trade. Consumer spending is likely to be more restrained than expected over the near term from a combination of negative real wage growth and stretched household finances amid rising inflation. “Trading conditions for UK exporters are expected to remain difficult over the forecast period with the lingering impact of Covid and Brexit expected to weigh on trade flows for some time to come. “While our latest forecast suggests that interest rates will rise sooner rather than later, with the current inflationary surge largely driven by supply side constraints and global price pressures, raising rates is likely to do little to curb the current spike in consumer prices. “The risks to the outlook remain tilted to the downside. The Omicron variant could stall the recovery if it triggers a prolonged reluctance among consumers to spend or a renewed supply shock by exacerbating current staff shortages through a new ‘pingdemic’ and driving more supply chain disruption.” Responding to the forecast, Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “It’s clear that the UK economy is not out of the woods yet. There remains a great deal of uncertainty for businesses as the arrival of the Omicron variant adds to the difficulties they face alongside rising costs, supply chain disruption and labour shortages. “Since the summer, we have been calling for the Government to give firms a clear contingency plan should restrictions once again become necessary to protect public health. If firms are to weather more challenging conditions in the next few months, they need to have confidence that support will be provided to those facing a significant impact on their ability to trade, including reduced footfall. “It is also more vital than ever that the Government’s Supply Chain Advisory Group and Industry Taskforce start to provide some practical solutions to the supply and labour shortages that are continuing to weigh down on the economic recovery. “Our disappointing forecast for exports underscores the need to address the key pressures facing traders. The UK-EU trade agreement needs to be built upon and applied in ways which cut the current red tape, costs and burdens on businesses. Significant issues must be resolved so that exports can become a driving force in our recovery from the pandemic. “With the planned rise in National Insurance yet to take effect businesses are facing a continuing squeeze on their cashflow. There should be no further policy measures that add to the upfront cost of doing business for the remainder of this Parliament to give firms room to recover.” Key points in the forecast:
UK GDP growth forecasts for 2021 and 2022 downgraded from 7.1% to 6.8%, and 5.2% to 4.2% respectively. UK GDP growth forecast for 2023 has been upgraded from 2.1% to 2.3%
Following the Q3 2021 growth of 1.3%, quarter-on-quarter GDP growth forecast at 0.5% in Q4, (down from our previous forecast of 1.6%)
Household consumption is now forecast to grow at 4.0% in 2021, 6.9% in 2022 and 2.7% in 2023, down from 5.5% in 2021, 7.6% for 2022 and 2.8% in 2023 in our previous forecast
BCC expects UK exports to decline by 2.8% in 2021, before growth of 4.9% in 2022 and 2.7% in 2023, compared to import growth of 1.2%, 6.2% and 3.1%
Business investment forecast is for a decline of 0.6% in 2021, before growth of 5.1% in 2022 and 2.6% in 2023
BCC expects a UK unemployment rate of 4.5% in 2021, 4.1% in 2022 and 3.8% in 2023, compared to the previous forecast of 4.9%, 4.7% and 4.4% respectively
CPI inflation is expected to peak at 5.2% in Q2 2022. Inflation is then expected to drop back to the Bank of England’s 2% target in Q2 2023
UK official interest rates are expected to start rising in February 2022 (15 ppts), followed by a second-rate rise (25 ppts) in November 2022. A further interest rate rise (25 ppts) is expected in 2023
In terms of sectors:
Growth in manufacturing output has been downgraded from 8.6% to 6.8% for 2021 and from 5.1% to 3.0% in 2022. Expected growth in 2023 has been upgraded from 2.0% to 2.5%
Growth in construction output has been downgraded from 13.8% to 13.7% for 2021 and from 3.8% to 2.9% in 2022. Expected growth in 2023 is unchanged at 2.8%
Growth in services output is forecast at 7.0% in 2021 and 2.0% in 2023, unchanged from previous forecast. Expected growth in 2022 has been downgraded from 5.6% to 4.8%
November Update and future changes for January 2022 On 31 December 2020, the UK left the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union. This has meant change for business and for citizens, including new processes and requirements. The first phase of such changes came in on 1 January this year. The Government put in place the staffing, infrastructure, and IT to support this. On 14 September 2021, the Government announced changes to the timetable for introducing import border control processes in the Border Operating Model. The existing controls that were introduced on 1 January 2021 will continue to remain in place. This includes export requirements for all goods and full customs declaration requirements for controlled goods at the point of import. Businesses have faced a range of challenges over recent months as they recover from the global pandemic which has impacted supply chains across Europe. This is being felt particularly by the agri-food sector, where new requirements on importing products of animal origin were due to be introduced in October 2021. Rather than introduce these controls at this time, the Government has listened to those who have called for a new approach to give businesses more time to adjust. Under the revised timetable: • Full customs declarations and controls will be introduced on 1 January 2022 as previously announced, although Safety and Security Declarations will now not be required until 01 July 2022. • Pre-notification requirements of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) goods, which were due to be introduced on 01 October 2021, will now be introduced on 01 January 2022. • From 01 July 2022, certification and physical checks will be introduced for: – All remaining regulated animal by-products. – All regulated plants and plant products – All meat and meat products. – All remaining high-risk food not of animal origin. • From 01 September 2022, certification and physical checks will be introduced for all dairy products • From 01 November 2022, certification and physical checks will be introduced for all remaining regulated products of animal origin, including composite products and fish products. • High-priority plants and plant products checks will transfer from place of destination to designated BCPs and control points from 01 July 2022. • Live animal physical checks will take place at designated border control posts where a facility is operational at the point of entry. Where there is no designated BCP, checks will remain at destination for other ports of entry until sufficient BCPs are operational. Checks at Sevington inland BCP and designated airport BCPs will commence from 01 July 2022. This will provide businesses with further time to prepare for changes at the border and minimise disruption as the economy gradually recovers, as the Government recognises the scale and significance of the challenges businesses have been facing in dealing with the impacts of coronavirus whilst also being asked to adjust to the new requirements. We will continue to give businesses the support they need to trade effectively with the EU, including through export helplines, webinars with experts and support via our network of 300 international trade advisers. For the January 2022 changes you can view the Border Operating Model on the link below or download the pdf:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1034308/20211117_November_BordersOPModel_Final.pdf Our International Training dates for 2022 are here – so make sure you book your places early to avoid disappointment. If you would like to book a place or you have any questions then please get in touch with the International team on: [email protected] You can view a full list of our upcoming training dates in 2022 here
We love our International Team! They’re an incredibly hard working bunch and they’ve supported Norfolk businesses throughout the intracies of Brexit and the difficulties of the pandemic, and all with complete calm and reassurance (and lots of tea and hobnobs)! We grabbed five minutes with our new apprentice Ethan Saunders-Johnson to chat about his apprenticeship… What were you doing before you joined the Norfolk Chambers? My last job before joining the International team at the Norfolk Chambers was working as a First Responder for a Private Ambulance Service, which Provided me with a vast array of skills I can put to use here and further develop at the Norfolk Chambers. However, between these jobs I had a 2 month period of unemployment. The first month was for me to recuperate from the non-stop hours I was working at my previous job to prepare myself for my next venture into a new career, as I believe avoiding burnout and knowing your own limitations are key to success. The second month was to ensure that I only took a job offer if I believed that it was the perfect fit for me, and not to compromise on my future. During these months off I further studied Business fundamentals, Market structure, NFT’s & NFT marketplaces and Interpreting balance sheets to aid in my stocks, shares and cryptocurrency trading which I used, and continue to use, to avoid using savings to cover bills. What was interesting/attractive to you about working within the International Trade department? The International Trade Department piqued my interest due to the level of attention to detail required for the role, and as a perfectionist I am excited for the challenge to keep my skills sharp. It’s a complicated area with a huge amount of training needed – what do you think will make you great for the role? I’m an ambitious person, sometimes too ambitious, but I believe that if we all strive for perfection we can achieve greatness. I am keen to face this challenge head on to further develop my skills and knowledge in my repertoire. Every Chamber Member has their own Trading Card and ‘name’ – yours will be created soon and your photos booked, is there a name you’d love to have? This is something I have to think about – I love the idea and I will have to ask the team for their input! What will be your Christmas party tipple? Either a sweet and refreshing fruity cider or a warming rioja. What are you looking forward to in 2022? I am looking forward to achieving my BCC Certification, completing my apprenticeship and continuing my personal and professional development to establish a secure foundation upon which to build my career. Ethan will be in expert hands, as he joins Julie Austin,our International Quality Manager and Sam Martin, who recently passed his own apprenticeship and is now our International trade Co-ordinator. We are all really looking forward to working with Ethan, and watching him get stuck in to his apprenticeship! Best of luck to you Ethan!
Pupils from Mile Cross Primary School entered the Dragons’ Den this week, in the finale of a project aimed at inspiring young business minds and raising aspirations. Teams pitched their business ideas to the real-life dragons from Norwich’s business community, with the overall winners receiving a virtual investment into their idea. Pupils were mentored by the current Norwich School Lower Sixth, and were tasked with creating business plans, marketing strategies and financial projections for their business. Ideas ranged from customised key chains, detachable football boot studs to panic alarm jewellery and solar boosted roller boots! All pitches impressed the judges with their clear purpose, marketing strategies and professional pitches on the day. The runners up were ‘ACDM Sport’ with their waterproof and washable football boots and the winners were ‘We Are ElectroAbs’ for their indoor/outdoor cycle, made with sustainable materials, that will charge your laptop/mobile phone while you ride! Norwich School received the support of the Business Dragons, Nova Fairbank, Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, Caroline Jarrold, the Sheriff of Norwich and Tom White, Head of Economics and Business at Norwich school. Commenting on the finale, Nova Fairbank said: “The students pitching in the Dragon’s Den have done an amazing job. Their presentations were well thought out and they had clearly done lots of work and research before presenting enthusiastic and interesting pitches. The Dragons had a truly difficult decision to select the winning bid and congratulations to ‘We Are ElectroAbs’ on their winning pitch. The talent and energy in the room was brilliant and I think we may have seen several future entrepreneurs! Well done to all the teams.” Fellow Dragon, Caroline Jarrold said: “It was so impressive to see the pitches from the students and the creativity of their ideas. It must have been quite a daunting situation for them and they did incredibly well in presenting their proposals and business plans. It is heartening to see a collaboration of this nature between the two schools and all of the pupils should be very proud of their achievements. I felt that we saw some really good signs of enterprise and imagination and hope that the students will look back on a day which gave them a great opportunity to work together, develop ideas and skills and build their confidence for the future.”
Our International Training dates for 2022 are here – so make sure you book your places early to avoid disappointment. If you would like to book a place or you have any questions then please get in touch with the International team on: [email protected]
Covid Co.nfidence for Face-To-Face Events We are conscious that many people will be concerned about attending face-to-face events in a ‘pre-pandemic’ way. We have therefore introduced our COVID Co.nfidence policy which will be adhered to for each event we host.
Cancellation – If you have to cancel your ticket at short notice due to testing positive for Covid, having Covid symptoms, or having to self-isolate we will swap your ticket to a future event of your choice with no cancellation fees
We do not require you to wear a mask, however, if you feel more comfortable wearing a mask then we totally understand
We ask that you refrain from shaking hands as not everyone feels comfortable with doing so
We highly recommend that you take a Lateral Flow Test prior to attending any of our events, and if you do test positive or show any Covid symptoms, please do not attend.
In order for us to deliver events safely, we ask that you book with confidence and book early – due to the nature of the pandemic we are having to put orders in for catering much earlier than normal to adhere to attendee numbers. This may result in ticket sales ending early
If you feel uncomfortable attending face-to-face networking events, we are still running our Chamber Co.nnect Virtual networking event once a month for members only, along with webinars and other virtual events for the whole business community
The new export strategy kickstarts ‘Race to a Trillion’ as DIT publishes 12-point plan to help UK businesses hit £1 trillion in exports.The Government today launches an ambitious new ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ plan to help businesses across the UK double exports and sell their world-class products around the globe. The 12-point export strategy – published today (Wednesday 17 November) by the Department for International Trade – will give businesses the tools they need to become a nation of exporters and reap the benefits of our free trade deals. It includes an Export Support Service that offers a one-stop shop for exporting advice, and the launch of a new UK Tradeshow Programme better-tailored to help businesses, particularly those outside London and the South East, to attend and promote their products around the world. DIT will also be expanding its Export Academy – launched in October – to roll it out across all of the UK including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The academy will invite owners and managers of SMEs to access masterclasses, roundtables and networking events that help them overcome common challenges first-time exporters face. The UK exported £600 billion in goods and services last year (1), but only around one in ten GB businesses currently export (2) – with the number of goods exporters falling behind continental competitors like Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands (3). Unlocking the UK’s exporting potential will help level up the country and boost the UK’s economy, with government commissioned research estimating that exports supported 6.5 million jobs across the UK in 2016, and showing that exporters pay higher wages. Separate analysis shows that goods exporting businesses are on average 21 percent more productive. International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan is calling on businesses to ‘Race to a Trillion’ by seizing huge untapped opportunities on offer in the world’s fast-growing markets. Secretary of State for International Trade, Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, said:
This is a defining moment in our national trading story. As we agree ambitious new trade deals around the world, it is more vital than ever that businesses across the UK take advantage of these opportunities and unleash their full exporting potential. Our export strategy will help more businesses start exporting and help those who already export to sell more products to more countries. Reaching £1 trillion worth of exports by the end of this decade means more jobs, more opportunities and higher wages helping the UK to level up and build back better.
This week, DIT is running the inaugural International Trade Week, featuring a series of over 100 events and workshops across the country hosted by expert trade advisers aimed to help businesses to take advantage of the export support available to them. Minister for Exports, Mike Freer MP, said:
We know businesses are at different points on their exporting journey. Some are already successful exporters but want to sell more products or reach new markets. Others are yet to take the leap and export for the first time. Whatever your story, our tailored support, expertise and international network is here and ready to help you maximise your ambitions and sell to the world.
The strategy – titled ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ – will see government work hand-in-hand with business to help them to succeed in the global marketplace through a first-class export support framework. It will help replicate higher levels of exporting seen in the South East of England across all parts of the country to deliver on the Prime Minister’s ambition to level up the UK, and transform the country into a high-wage, high-skill, high-productivity economy. The 12-point strategy includes:
Launching the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign, championing the UK’s priority sectors through an innovative, localised marketing campaign that will promote the best of British goods and services in our towns and cities.
The Export Support Service provides a single point of contact for exporters to Europe. Since launching in October the new export hotline and online service has helped hundreds of businesses to get exporting (4).
UK Export Academy expansion to offer SMEs in all parts of the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the chance to learn how to navigate the technicalities of exporting and how to find new opportunities in overseas markets.
A new UK Tradeshow Programme will be bigger and better targeted to give UK companies, especially SMEs, a leg-up to exhibit their first-class products at the world’s biggest tradeshows.
UK Export Finance – our world-leading export credit agency – will expand its offer with new products and a wider delivery network that will make it easier for UK exporters to secure business from overseas buyers.
Export Champions, ensuring businesses can build and learn from exporting successes through business-to-business networking and peer-to-peer learning
Internationalisation Fund, open to SMEs in England, will aim to grow international sales, and has facilitated £4 million of support to SMEs attending Trade Fairs.
British Chambers of Commerce Director-General, Shevaun Haviland said:
More than 60% of Chamber members export overseas compared to just 10% of all businesses UK-wide. To turn the UK into the global economic powerhouse it deserves to be that has to change, and the launch of the DIT’s export strategy is a really positive step toward making that happen. We are keen to work with Government to lift export-led growth in sustainable goods, services and technologies for companies the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. We are uniquely placed to help with our unrivalled expertise in trade facilitation, the advice, training and brokerage services of Chamber Customs and the extensive market access provided by our 76 international chambers. Once you open the door to international trade the possibilities for expansion are endless.
Further information
Those who are interested in exporting or wish to maximise business growth via exporting can sign up to a local International Trade Week event
Source: DIT Management Information collected from ESS telephone and digital systems. Since operational to 5 November, the telephone helpline (operational 1 October) received 786 enquiries and the digital enquiry service (operational 22 July) received 785 enquiries. Data has had basic quality assurance checks and is subject to revision
You can view this original Department of International Trade article here Photo credit: Pixabay/ Chamber Canva Pro 2022