Early August, we launched a new series of free international trade masterclasses to help our members understand a variety of international trade topics ranging from the basics of export and import all the way to methods of payment, authorised economic operator and Brexit. Since the launch, we have run 3 sessions and gathered about 150 attendees overall – both members and non-members.
These sessions are also a way for us to support UK companies navigate the uncertainty in international trade due to Brexit and the end of the transition period coming up. From polls made during these, we have seen that on overall over a third of companies are not yet prepared for the changes coming up with almost half of them not having started preparing. We, at the Chamber, provide a range of services to help these companies get ready. Please visit our www.gmccbrexithub.com website to find out more about the support available or contact the team at exportbritain@gmchamber.co.uk.
We also saw that about 35% of the companies interrogated have not yet decided how they will process customs declarations from 1st January 2021. These are expected to increase fivefold once the transition period end and it is highly important that businesses start planning now. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce can now complete export and import customs declarations on behalf of businesses, please see here for more info. If you’d like to find out more about the changes coming up on 1st January 2021 at the UK Border, please join us at one of our Countdown to Change webinars.
Please see below a list of upcoming masterclasses:
- 09.20 – How to Become an Authorised Economic Operator
- 10.20 – Import Basics
- 10.20 – Customs and Export Documentation Post-Transition Period
- 10.20 – Export Health Certificates
- 11.20 - Incoterms
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact exportbritain@gmchamber.co.uk