Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has been providing vital information, advice and support to help exporters and importers adapt to new rules on trading with the EU, which came into effect in January this year.
Since the EU referendum, the Chamber has been playing a pivotal role in supporting businesses as a lobbying channel, but also by providing practical support to traders who have been facing numerous challenges following Brexit.
At the end of 2019, the Chamber secured funding from BEIS, which enabled it to create a Brexit Hub and deliver a number of workshops, business clinics and webinars to help companies prepare for life outside the EU.
The Chamber has also secured additional funding via the Business Growth Hub, which has helped expand its in-house capacity to meet increased demand from businesses post-Brexit. The Chamber’s team has deployed more than ten in-house advisers since mid-January and they will be available until the end of March, supporting business with general guidance on the new rules to more complex queries on areas such as:
- New considerations for exporting and importing, whether from the EU or other markets (e.g., EORI numbers, incoterms, commodity codes, transit)
- FTAs and Rules of Origin
- VAT
- Customs processes including special customs procedures
- Customs Declarations, documentation and more
Susana Córdoba, Head of International Trade at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Chamber’s in-house team has also been supported by its trusted network of associates, approved suppliers and strategic partners, who have been lending their expertise to help companies. The support is available to both Chamber members and non-members. Whilst funding finishes by end of March, the Chamber will continue its role in supporting businesses as before.
“We are pleased to be working with the Business Growth Hub and continue to develop a strong partnership so we can help companies to not simply adapt to the new rules but to thrive and grow globally.”
To get in touch with our team, please email: benefits@gmchamber.co.uk or call 0161 393 4321 or visit our Brexit Hub.