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British Chamber of Commerce, Director General Adam Marshall has written a column for The Guardian outlining that businesses still lack detailed trade guidance. For four years, the Chamber Network has been campaigning on behalf of members and businesses in general to ensure those gaps in information are addressed. Now, with less than a fortnight to go to the end of the transition period, huge important practical areas of trade remain unanswered with few details that businesses require to make effective plans. Marshall also provides insight in to how companies have shifted and made adjustments to how they conduct business, remain afloat, and how many have made important contributions to their local communities in such challenging times. Read to the full article published by The Guardian here

Last week, the UK Government announced a series of new trade deals which continue to secure UK trade with important, and growing, markets across the world. Trade Agreement with Kenya The UK Government announced on the 8th December, that the UK had signed an Economic Partnership Agreement with Kenya. The deal was signed in London by International Trade Minister Ranil Jayawardena and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Trade, Minister Betty Maina. This trade agreement will ensure that all companies operating in Kenya, including British businesses, can continue to benefit from duty-free access to the UK market. You can read the full announcement here. Trade Agreement with Canada On the 9th December, Liz Truss, International Trade Secretary, announced the UK had signed a Continuity Agreement with Canada, which is said to secure transatlantic trade worth £20 billion last year. It will be expected that in 2021, a new, tailor-made UK-Canada trade deal will be negotiated, and in overall, it is estimated that a £42 million tariff burden has been saved. For more information on this new agreement, please click here. Trade Agreement with Singapore & Vietnam On the 10th December, as EU-UK talks seem to head for further discussions, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss announced two new continuity trade deals with these South East Asian nations, making another step towards the UK joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership CPTPP, which accounted for 13% of global GDP in 2019, rising to 16% if the UK were to join. To read the full Press Released click here Read the UK-Singapore Joint Statement here Read the UK-Vietnam Joint Statement here Source: UK Government - Department for International Trade

With negotiations between the UK and EU once again at a decision point – and with just 24 days to go until the end of the Brexit transition period – the latest analysis by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that businesses still have insufficient official information in 24 critical areas, undermining their ability to prepare for change on 1st January. The leading business organisation’s Brexit Guidance Dashboard – long used by both business and government to evaluate the quality of official UK government guidance – still has 24 of 35 key questions flashing ‘Amber’ or ‘Red’. The leading business group last evaluated the quality of official HM Government guidance to assess whether it provides sufficient, clear and actionable information that businesses can use to prepare for the coming changes in September and has now provided its latest assessment. The BCC’s December dashboard finds: 24 unanswered questions reflect fundamental aspects of business operations, including UK/EU customs checks and rules of origin Government guidance has only been upgraded to a ‘Green’ RAG rating in two areas (duty deferment accounts and the paperwork needed to import under a Generalised System of Preferences programme) since its last update in September Little movement on unanswered questions The BCC’s updated Brexit guidance dashboard compiles 35 questions most frequently raised by businesses, which apply in both ‘deal’ or ‘no deal’ scenarios. The BCC has assessed the information available to firms and rated it Green (information is sufficient), Amber (some information is available) and Red (information is wholly inadequate). The BCC gives just 11 areas a ‘Green’ status (up from 9 in September). 19 are Amber (no change from September) and five are Red (down from seven in September). Many of the unanswered questions reflect fundamental aspects of how companies operate. Among other things: firms still do not know what rules of origin will apply after the transition period, preventing them and their customers from planning and potentially creating unprecedented new administration and costs; there remains very limited guidance on procedures for the movement of goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland; 10-digit tariff codes have still not been published and there is still doubt about the final WTO MFN tariff rates; and there is no information on how UK tariff rate quotas will be administered or how businesses can access them beyond the transition period The lack of information with which to plan and potential deadline fatigue presents further challenges to firms up and down the UK, who have already faced reduced demand, ongoing government restrictions and sustained cashflow challenges due to the Coronavirus crisis. Easements/temporary waivers needed to help firms adjust In addition to clarity on the new arrangements in any deal, it is crucial that the UK and the EU governments agree to implement changes in a way that helps businesses to adjust to the new procedures and systems that will come in to force from January 1. Example UK easements could include: A temporary waiver of the £300 fine for hauliers arriving at Channel ports not border ready due to genuine errors in the preparation of their documentation Flexibility in the requirements for EU companies to be registered in the UK for paperwork purposes A mandatory grace period for all companies who have inadvertently shared personal data unlawfully between the UK and the EU (whether with third parties or subsidiaries) without adequate legal authority - unless there has been a substantive breach of data subject rights On areas such as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications, H.M. Government should be prepared to act unilaterally to maintain the provision of services within the UK whilst also working with the EU and Member States on reciprocal provision. If no agreement can be reached, BCC urges both the UK and EU to take steps to help keep trade flowing – in the interests of businesses on both sides. BCC Director General Adam Marshall said: “With just weeks to go, businesses need answers, and they need them now. Posters and television adverts are no substitute for the clear, detailed and actionable information businesses require to prepare for the end of transition. “None of the issues businesses are grappling with are new. They have all been raised repeatedly over the past four years, from tariff codes and rules of origin through to the movement of goods from GB to NI. “The detail and precision of UK government guidance matters, and will make all the difference as the trading relationship between the UK and EU changes on January 1st. With the clock ticking down, the government must do everything in its power to provide businesses with answers as they prepare to navigate a New Year like no other. “We welcome the fact that UK and EU leaders are still talking, as the overwhelming majority of businesses want the two sides to reach an agreement. If a breakthrough happens over the coming hours and days, the two sides must immediately set to work on pragmatic steps to smooth the introduction of the new arrangements from January, including easements for genuine administrative errors, clear procedures at ports, and fast help from customs authorities.” Source: British Chambers of Commerce

On the 8th December, in a joint statement, the co-chairs of the EU-UK Joint Committee – European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and the UK Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the Rt Hon Michael Gove, announced that they had reached an agreement, in principle, on all issues related to the Withdrawal Agreement implementation, ensuring is fully operational from 1st January 2021, including the Northern Ireland Protocol. Commenting on the agreement in principle of the EU-UK Joint Committee to ensure the Northern Ireland protocol is fully operational as of January 1st 2021, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said: "More detail on how to keep trade flowing smoothly in both directions between GB and NI and on both sides of the Irish Sea after the 1st of January, whatever the outcome of negotiations, is a belated but necessary step forward in providing clarity for our business communities. The devil however will be in the detail on how this operates for firms on the ground. “This agreement must swiftly be converted into crystal-clear guidance and operating protocols so that businesses can act on it - as they have incredibly little time to prepare for the significant changes that lie ahead." Commenting further on the agreement of a trusted trader scheme that would mean exemptions from tariffs for up to 98pc of goods flowing between Great Britain and Northern Ireland from January 1, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Ann McGregor said: “The announcement today that the EU and UK have agreed a trusted trader scheme that would mean exemptions from tariffs for up to 98pc of goods flowing between Great Britain and Northern Ireland from January 1, as well as a grace period for export health certificates and no exit summary declarations, appears positive at first glance. “However, the devil is in the detail and NI Chamber is very concerned about business capacity to analyse, absorb and implement actions required as details as emerge. We still have concerns about flow v compliance, the lack of a HMRC helpline to address queries as they emerge, the possible loss of access to affordable food for the Northern Ireland consumer and the fact that services have not been mentioned.” On the 10th December, the President of the EU, Ursula von der Leyen, confirmed that whilst negotiations are still ongoing, the fact is the end of the transition period is now upon us, and there is no guarantee that if and when an agreement is found, it will enter in force on time; and thus the EU is also preparing for the even of no-deal introducing some contingency measures. Read full Press Release on the proposed targeted contingency measures here Today 13th December, President von der Leyen, made a public statement saying that after a constructive phone call with Prime Minister Boris Johnson negotiations will continue in Brussels today. We continue to monitor developments and any outcome of current discussions will be posted on our hub. Sources: British Chambers of Commerce, European Commission

The way we are trading with the EU is changing. Now, more than ever, it will be important that your staff remain up to speed with the skills and knowledge they need to be able to support your business’ export and/or import operations. Like most of our services, this current offer is being delivered digitally via zoom. Please note you may be able to draw on some of the HMRC Grant funding to cover the cost of some of our courses if they are help you to understand and/or process customs declarations. BCC International Trade Foundation Award We are offering an early bird discount for our British Chamber of Commerce Foundation Award in International Trade. Companies will get an additional 10% on top of the 15% discount we already offer when you book before the 18th Dec 2020. This means companies will be making a 25% saving when booking any 6 of our 10 accredited courses to achieve the Foundation Award. The courses must be attended by the same employee. Up-Skill Your Team Digital Training Package – Helping You Get Brexit Ready This is a flexible discounted training digital package where you can choose up to 10 slots in any of our courses – accredited and non-accredited, including our ‘How to Complete Customs Declaration Course’ aiding your Brexit preparation efforts. You can access an additional early bird discount of 10% if you book before the 18th Dec 2020. This can be attended by any employee, although if the same employee attends at least 6 of the 10 accredited courses, they will be eligible for our BCC Foundation Award in International Trade. How to book these and access our early bird discount? Just email exportbritain@gmchamber.co.uk quoting EBplus10% and indicate which of the packages you want to book, employee(s) name and the exact courses you want to book on.

According to reports by The Independent, Britain's Foreign Minister has indicated that trade talks are in their 'last week' with some progress made on 'level[ing the] playing field' issues (the standards the UK must meet to export into the EU). However, as reported by The Guardian, Michel Barnier the Chief Negotiator for the EU has said that there are still significant divergences between the UK & EU positions. Negotiations are still at a standstill with regards to aspects of the fishing industry. The main issue is what access will, or will not, be granted to European fishing fleets in UK waters. Specifics include whether either UK or EU fishermen will be able to respond if the other seeks to gain a competitive advantage by agreeing to different environmental, labour, or social standards. The Guardian also reports that Michel Barnier has been advised by EU Parliament members that arranging sufficient scrutiny and a consent vote by MEPs before the end of the year will be difficult without a deal by Wednesday (2nd Dec). A no-deal will cause greater disruptions in addition to those already anticipated by the National Audit Office in their UK Preparedness report launched this November. The Chamber continues to monitor developments in negotiations and whilst we wish to remain positive that there is still a possibility to reach a deal, we urge businesses to take steps to prepare now - deal or no deal.

In the run up to the festive period, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is working with local authorities to inspect businesses in the transport and logistics industry to ensure they are managing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). With the current lockdown restrictions, the demand for online shopping is already high and this is expected to increase over the next few weeks. This will also increase demand in the supply chain for the sector. HSE inspectors and local authority officers will be visiting warehouses and distribution centres across the country to make sure workplaces are COVID-secure and following the relevant guidance. Being COVID-secure means that businesses need to put in place workplace controls such as social distancing and cleaning arrangements to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus. They will be making sure that businesses have suitable toilet and handwashing facilities for all workers, including visiting drivers. They will also check other health and safety matters if required. HSE provides a range of advice and guidance to support businesses, this includes: Making your workplace COVID-secure Driver welfare Social distancing – a step-by-step guide Risk assessment Vehicles at work Information from the visits will be shared to promote good practice and assist the industry in meeting the combined challenges of COVID and the seasonal surge in demand. Harvey Wild, Head of HSE’s Transport and Public Services Unit, said: “The logistics and distribution industry overall has seen a significant increase in business activity over the past few months and, with shops and retail centres closed, there will be a surge in online shopping in the run up to the festive period. “As a result of this, we will see an increase in the number of agency and temporary workers in the transport and logistics sector to meet the demand. It’s important that all workers and also customers feel confident that measures are being taken to protect them from Covid-19. “Employers have a legal duty to protect workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus. We encourage businesses to consult with their workers on the changes they put in place to become COVID-secure. This is to provide reassurance for workers and to also increase confidence in customers and the local community. “Becoming COVID-secure not only benefits the health of our communities and vital businesses, it also good for the health of the UK economy.” We are looking to work with employers but where we find they’re not managing the risk, HSE and local authority officers will take action. This can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices and stopping certain work practices until they are made safe. Where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution. Further guidance is also available for England, Wales and Scotland. You can also receive information on HSE’s latest inspections and campaigns by signing up to their newsletter. Source: HSE Website

Commenting on the announcement that the UK and Canada have finalised a trade agreement to replace CETA - the existing deal it has through European Union membership - BCC Director General Adam Marshall said: “Securing continued access to one of our top trading partners, will be warmly welcomed by our business communities. "Firms will be keen to see the UK and Canada continue to work toward an even deeper trading relationship, building on this agreement. They also urgently need continuity agreements with other key markets, including Turkey and Singapore, to avoid a damaging cliff edge for both importers and exporters, as well as those involved in wider supply chains. “However, the single most critical trade agreement our business communities need is one with the European Union. Firms expect the two sides to agree a deal. We urge government to redouble their efforts to secure this as soon as possible to give businesses the clarity they need.” Interested in knowing more about this New Continuity Agreement? Check the UK Gov website here

One of the members of the EU/UK Task Force Team has tested positive for COVID19, both David Frost and Michel Barnier decided to suspend the negotiations at their level for a short period of time. However, European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen also said that teams will continue their work in observance of the COVID-19 health guidance. Both sides remain 'hopeful' a deal is still within reach. However, it has been reported that European Leaders are pressuring the EU to publish 'No-Deal' guidance as there are growing fears that discussions may still fail or, if a deal is reached, there will not be enough time to rectify it before the end of the year.

HMRC has made changes to the customs grant scheme to allow more people to access the funding and help ensure they are ready to trade with the EU after the transition period ends. Customs intermediaries – including customs brokers, freight forwarders and express parcel operators – as well as traders who complete their own declarations, are among those who may benefit from the new co-funded training project under General Block Exemption Regulations (GBER). Through the co-funded training project grant, organisations can receive up to 2 million euros where they co-invest as well. HMRC is also allowing traders who are new to customs to apply for grants of up to £1,000 per organisation to support the cost of basic customs training. This will help traders understand what is involved in making customs declarations and can help them prepare for when they speak to an intermediary. Another change HMRC has introduced to the customs grant scheme is that businesses with Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status who have had a base in the UK for less than 12 months can also now access the grant scheme. This will encourage new entrants to the intermediary market. The current phase of the customs grant scheme opened for applications on 29‌‌‌ ‌July with a record £50 million investment as part of the measures to accelerate growth of the customs intermediary sector and help meet the increased demand it will see from traders from 1‌‌‌ ‌January 2021. Grants will be issued on a first come, first served basis and applications will close on 30‌‌‌ ‌June 2021, or earlier if all funding is allocated. Applications for the co-funded training project, trader training and for AEO businesses opened on 16‌‌‌ ‌November 2020. For more information on the scheme and how to apply, please read the guidance on GOV.UK. Source: HRMC Need Training? Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce delivers a wide range of training to help traders understand the new requirements for trading post Jan 2021. From incoterms, export documentation to customs declarations and more, our courses are designed to help you carry on with the operational side of exporting and importing. You can apply for the grant to cover the costs of some of our training courses. Check all of our upcoming training schedule here

Liz Trust, Trade Secretary announced that the UK government will continue to remove and reduce tariffs on goods from developing countries after the end of the transition period. The trade preference scheme will cover any eligible countries that do not have their existing trade agreements transferred to a new agreement with the UK. The UK imported approximately £8 billion-worth of textiles and apparel products from eligible countries last year. The government is planning to improve the scheme to better support developing countries – more details will be announced in 2021. The import rates and customs procedure are now on gov.uk. Liz Truss will announce today (Tuesday 10 November) that British importers will continue to pay zero, or reduced tariffs, on everyday goods such as clothing and vegetables from the world’s poorest countries. The UK’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) will cover the same countries that are currently eligible for trade preference under the EU’s GSP, allowing businesses to trade as they do now without disruption. Imports from 47 of the world’s least developed countries, including Bangladesh and Malawi, will not face any tariffs, supporting their economic development through business and trade. Low-income and lower-middle income countries will benefit from lower tariffs compared to the UK Global Tariff. In 2019, the UK imported approximately £8 billion-worth of textiles and apparel products from countries which are part of the EU GSP. This accounted for 30% of all textile and apparel imports into the UK. We also imported approximately £1billion-worth of vegetables from eligible countries, accounting for around 8% of all vegetable imports. For more information, please visit the UK Gov website

US elections have not been short of controversy this year. Whilst Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have taken a clear lead with 274 Electoral College votes in their favour (271 needed to win) against 214 achieved by Trump. It is clear that President Trump backed by the Republic party are unwilling to concede without a legal fight. World leaders have already expressed their congratulations to the Biden-Harris duo, including the British Prime Minister. But how does this result impact current negotiations on the US-UK Trade deal? It is likely we may see delays in making progress as its claimed in the media that Biden will not prioritise US-UK trade talks during his first 100 days. However, it is not only a matter of 'giving a priority'. Recent EU-UK Trade talks stalled on many critical issues such as fishing, Brussels’ demand for a level-playing field on standards to prevent the UK undercutting continental competitors and the possibility that the UK may breach international law around the Northern Ireland Protocol through its Internal Market Bill. However, today (10th Nov) it is on BBC news that the UK Government suffered a heavy House of Lords defeat. Even before this election, it has been clear Biden wished for a different outcome when it came to the UK exiting the EU. In recent reports by the media, it was said that Biden will not allow peace in the Irish Island to be jeopardised by UK's intent to breach the law. So, we continue to watch for future developments. It is fair to say that under current events, political, economic and health, we will see delays. It is also clear that whilst the UK and EU continue to work towards reaching a trade deal before the end of this transition period, we may not see it happening before then.

From 1 January 2021 you’ll need an EORI number that starts with XI to: move goods between Northern Ireland and non-EU countries make a declaration in Northern Ireland get a customs decision in Northern Ireland To get an EORI number that starts with XI, you must already have an EORI number that starts with GB. If you do not have one, apply for an EORI number that starts with GB as soon as possible. If you already have an EORI number that starts with GB and HMRC thinks you need one that starts with XI, they’ll automatically send you one in mid-December 2020. To get advice on moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland sign up for the Trader Support Service. If you sign up your business before 23 November, this will also ensure you’ll be sent an EORI starting with XI. For more information, please visit the UK Gov website Source: Pixabay - Free for commercial use.

The EU has launched this new online platform to help EU SMEs trading with markets outside the EU. It is a combination of the Market Access Database and the EU Trade helpdesk where companies will be able to access information about: Tariffs Rules of origin Product requirements Customs procedures and formalities VAT/excise duties/sales taxes Trade barriers Trade statistics This new digital tool will also help companies with: step-by-step guides into importing/exporting goods and services detailed guidance on rules of origin a tool to help you assess your product’s ‘origin’ trade terminology explained along the way examples of how certain tariffs will fall over time graphs with trade statistics Not only that, this new portal will also received feedback from companies about any barriers they are facing when trading outside the EU. It can be used by any company - either new or experienced in international trade. As the UK will effectively become a 3rd country from 1st Jan 2021, this tool may prove useful for your business. Visit the portal here: https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content

UK Trade info has published guidance on what would be the Intrastat reporting to help Intrastat businesses understand what is required in terms of recording the movement of their goods for statistical purposes between the UK and the EU, from 1 January 2021 onwards. What are the requirements for Intrastat declarations from 1 January 2021? If you are currently a registered Intrastat business or in the coming year you exceed the Intrastat exemption threshold, which is £1,500,000 for EU imports (arrivals) and/or £250,000 for EU exports (dispatches), then you must submit Intrastat declarations in 2021 for the following movement of goods: Goods imported into Great Britain (GB) from the European Union (EU) Goods imported into Northern Ireland (NI) from the EU Goods exported from NI to the EU You do not have to submit Intrastat declarations for goods exported from GB to the EU. 1. For how long will Intrastat declarations still be required? HMRC will still require businesses to provide Intrastat declarations for: Goods imported into GB from the EU for the whole of 2021 Goods imported into NI from the EU and goods exported from NI to the EU for the lifetime of the Northern Ireland Protocol. This will be a minimum of 4 years. 2. What will the Intrastat exemption thresholds be for arrivals and dispatches in 2021? There will be no change to either the Intrastat arrivals or dispatches exemption thresholds for 2021 for either GB or NI movement of goods. You should submit Intrastat declarations, if the value of your trade with the EU exceeds: £1,500,000 for arrivals (EU to GB and EU to NI imports) £250,000 for dispatches (NI to EU exports) 3. I do not currently trade above the Intrastat arrivals or dispatches exemption thresholds. If my trade values increase above these thresholds in 2021 will I have to submit Intrastat declarations? Yes. You should continue to monitor the value of your trade with the EU throughout 2021. If the value exceeds the thresholds, referred to in the answer to question 3, you should submit Intrastat declarations according to the specific requirements for GB and NI. 4. I intend to submit customs declarations from 1 January 2021 for the goods I import into GB from the EU, why do I also need to continue to submit Intrastat arrival declarations? From 1 January 2021, HMRC expected that information sourced direct from customs declarations would be used to compile trade statistics for international trade in goods between GB and the EU. However, to give businesses more time to fully prepare for the new border controls for EU goods, customs import controls will be introduced in stages from 1 January 2021. As part of these staged controls, businesses importing non-controlled goods from the EU to GB can delay the submission of the customs declaration for up to 6 months. For statistical purposes this means the data from customs declarations will be unavailable or significantly delayed and would leave the UK with significant gaps in the data available to compile accurate and timely trade in goods statistics for imports. To avoid this, monthly Intrastat arrivals declarations will continue to be required during 2021. We recognise that some importers may decide not to use the staged controls facilitation and may consider submitting Intrastat arrivals declarations to be an additional burden. However, the necessary detail, quality and consistency of the resulting statistical data can only be achieved from using one data source, rather than a mixture of both Intrastat and customs declarations. This is vital as ‘Trade in Goods Statistics’ are essential to the Government’s ability to monitor the UK economy and trade performance and for the continued use by all users of the international trade publications. 5. Will Intrastat declarations be required for GB exports to the EU? No, you must not provide an Intrastat declaration for any exports of goods from GB to the EU on or after 1 January 2021. HMRC will collect all GB export trade statistics directly from export customs declarations as the single source. 6. I am a distance seller and not resident in the UK, do I still have to comply with the Intrastat requirements in 2021? Yes. These requirements will continue to apply to all UK VAT registered businesses regardless of whether they are resident in the UK or not. 7. Why are Intrastat declarations still required for the movement of goods between NI and the EU? The Northern Ireland Protocol will come into force on 1 January 2021. The Protocol is a practical solution to avoid a hard border with the Republic of Ireland at the end of the Transition Period. This means that there will be special provisions which apply only to NI trade. Under the Protocol, HMRC is legally required to collect international trade statistics for goods exported from and imported to NI. As customs declarations will not be required for NI trade with the EU, Intrastat will continue to operate for these movement of goods. This means UK VAT registered businesses exporting goods from NI to EU Member States or importing goods into NI from EU Member States, with trade above the existing Intrastat arrivals or dispatches exemption thresholds, will be required to submit Intrastat declarations. 8. What if I move goods between NI and the EU but I am a GB based VAT registered business? You will be required to complete Intrastat declarations. This is due to the Northern Ireland Protocol and relates to the movement of goods into and out of Northern Ireland, where your business is located does not matter. See question 8 for more information on the Norther Ireland Protocol. 9. Do I need to complete Intrastat declarations for movement of goods between Great Britain (GB) and Northern Ireland (NI)? No. There are no Intrastat requirements for the movement of goods solely between GB and NI. 10. What will be the Intrastat declaration requirements in 2022? For NI imports from EU and NI exports to the EU, Intrastat will continue to be required for the lifetime of the Northern Ireland Protocol, which will be at least 4 years. There will be no Intrastat requirement for the movement of goods exported from GB to the EU or goods imported from EU to GB, from 1 January 2022. 11. Where can I find more information about Intrastat requirements? Notice 60 provides further details about Intrastat requirements. Source: UK Trade Info

Government launches Export Growth Plan to help businesses in England build back better following the pandemic. This new plan will include: £38 million Internationalisation Fund available for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. DIT introduces 64 new International Trade Advisors and an Export Academy in the Northern Powerhouse, Midlands Engine and the South West region. New policies will allow businesses to grow their overseas trade to help them recover The Department for International Trade’s (DIT) Export Growth Plan provides additional financial support and expertise, some of which is targeted towards specific regions that are most in need. The plan includes a £38 million Internationalisation Fund for small businesses, which will help up to 7,600 SMEs in England grow their overseas trading and strengthen their business. Additional support for exporters will be provided by 64 new International Trade Advisors (ITAs), many of them working closely with Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), who will lend their expertise to small businesses in the Northern Powerhouse, Midlands Engine and South West. A new pilot Export Academy will also be introduced to support smaller businesses in the same areas. The Academy will deliver a series of activities to build the capabilities of smaller companies, creating a new cohort of confident businesses ready to trade. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce works very closely with the DIT North West team and we understand more detailed information will be released in the coming weeks. If you are interested in receiving further information about the grants that will be available and the scope on how your business will be able to use these, please email us at exportbritain@gmchamber.co.uk and we will introduce you to the team. For more information about the launch of this new funding support, please visit the UK Gov website

With now less than 75 days to the end of the year and with recent EU-UK talks not progressing as the Prime Minister had planned, the UK Government is urging companies to take immediate action as a 'No-Deal' scenario is imminently back on the table. This has caused protests across various business groups, including the British Chambers of Commerce. Commenting on the launch of the government’s ‘time is running out’ campaign, BCC Director General Adam Marshall said: “Facing the triple threat of a resurgent Coronavirus, tightening restrictions and a disorderly end to the transition period, it is little wonder businesses are struggling to prepare. Many firms will be tired of posturing, cliff edges and deadlines, while others are still grappling with fundamental challenges as a result of the pandemic. “More businesses will undoubtedly step up preparations for change over the coming weeks, but many are still facing unanswered Brexit questions that have a big impact on their day to day operations. “A UK-EU deal is still both possible and critically important. No matter what happens, businesses will have to change. But we need a deal that supports businesses and jobs, and final clarity over what changes they must make.” For more information on the new campaign, please click here

Today (Thursday 8 October) the Government has ramped up preparations for the end of the transition period by publishing an updated Border Operating Model, which provides further detail on how the GB-EU border will work and the actions that traders, hauliers and passengers need to take. This publication gives traders further information they need to prepare for the changes and opportunities as a result of leaving the EU Single Market and Customs Union, and regardless of whether we reach a trade agreement with the EU. You can download the updated version here (Source: UK Government) Following this announcement, the British Chambers of Commerce Director of Trade Facilitation Liam Smyth commented saying: “Today’s announcement of a revised Border Operating Model provides some more of the detail that was missing from the version published less than 12 weeks ago. Duty deferment accounts and postponed VAT accounting will both help firms’ cashflow as we enter a period of huge change at our borders. “However, as highlighted in our recent unanswered questions document, businesses still have many areas where they urgently need more certainty, such as how the border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain will operate, clear guidance on rules of origin, which will only be done by ramping up government engagement with business. “With just over 80 days until the end of the transition period, the businesses that produce the £300bn of UK exports to the EU are desperate for news of a comprehensive free trade agreement that will provide jobs and future prosperity across the United Kingdom.” What this means for UK businesses? If you need help clarifying what this means for your business, please join us next 16th October for our Countdown to the end of transition free webinar '75 Days to Go - UK Border Operating Control'. The next series of webinars providing further updates are: 50 Days to go - 11th Nov - 10:00 a.m 30 Days to go - 1st Dec - 10:00 a.m

The UK government has launched a series of advisory guidance for European businesses who sell either goods or services to UK companies which will kick off from the 1st Jan 2021 when the end of the transition period ends. The information is available in different languages and cover: Buying and Selling goods Paying VAT or claiming VAT refunds Transferring personal data to the UK Providing services in the UK For more information, please visit the UK Gov website

The government has today set out further details around how it will create a number of new innovative Freeports across the UK to create jobs, drive investment and regenerate communities. next steps set out today for the creation of Freeports, driving investment and creating jobs after the end of the transition period Freeport bidding process in England to open before the end of the year the first Freeports on track to be open by the end of 2021 Responding to the consultation on the proposals the government confirmed that sea, air and rail ports in England will be invited to bid for Freeport status before the end of the year, with the government aiming for the first of the new sites to be open for business in 2021. It also confirmed the Freeports will benefit from: streamlined planning processes to aid brownfield redevelopment a package of tax reliefs to help drive jobs, growth and innovation simplified customs procedures and duty suspensions on goods Seizing on the opportunities presented by leaving the EU, Freeports will be created across the nation to help drive Britain’s post-Brexit growth. To read more about this, please click here Source: UK Gov Website