Global Britain
GLOBAL BRITAIN
WE BELIEVE THAT INTERNATIONAL TRADE CAN MAKE EVERY BUSINESS A STRONGER ONE
Once you open the door to overseas exports, the possibilities for expansion are endless.
Throughout our 160+ year history, we’ve seen it time and again – businesses that embrace international trade grow stronger & flourish. That’s why we’re determined to build a business community in the UK where more than half of firms export. Our Chamber Network has already helped thousands of members achieve this, and we’re ready to assist thousands more.
Find out how we can support you!Â
global britain
ACCELERATING GROWTH: DRIVING TRADE AND INWARD INVESTMENT
Global Britain Challenge Report
How does Global Britain present itself on the international stage? In considering this question we have heard from many about a long-term optimism, but juxtaposed with short-term anxieties. This is a great country. And with it a great belief in our cultural capital, our talent, our institutions and our capacity for innovation.
This report summarises the approach of the British Chambers of Commerce to helping the UK grow and prosper as an independent nation. It covers an analysis of the world’s place in Britain, summarising our history in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and proposing recommendations to improve our impressive track record.
View the report
GLOBAL BRITAIN
policy impacts 2023- 2024
Indefinite retention of CE marking for many categories of goods placed upon the UK internal market – BCC had campaigned for this and would further seek extension of this to construction products, underpinned by a mutual recognition agreement on conformity assessment if this can be reached between the UK and EU.
Horizon Europe UK Associate Membership negotiated by the UK and EU – BCC now sits on Horizon Europe Systems Delivery group. Which meets monthly and covers policy agenda arising from UK Associate Membership of Horizon Europe.
Extension of cumulation provisions in EU-UK automotive rules of origin until 2027 to avoid 10% tariffs on electric vehicles – key to avoid increased costs and reduced trade for electric vehicles in the automotive and Net Zero transition sectors.
WE’RE EXPERTS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE
International trade is woven into our DNA.
The BCC was founded in 1860 to help businesses trade overseas, and our unwavering commitment to this goal has only strengthened over time. Our organisation and trusted Network have always been about empowering other businesses to succeed.
Our Network of 53 Chambers of Commerce across the UK gives us a deep understanding of how to nurture businesses on their path to overseas trade. Fuelled by meaningful insights into its local economy, each Chamber is uniquely positioned to provide tailored advice, training, and support to firms new to exporting.
We also have a growing brokerage business that provides vital training and advice. With years of experience and a proven track record in trade facilitation, ChamberCustoms is the only customs agent you’ll need.
Driven by a strong desire to elevate UK business, ChamberCustoms aims to help businesses expand & diversify the number of exports from the UK across the world. By leveraging our expertise, businesses can significantly save time & resources as we streamline their customs declaration process, file the forms, and cover all additional paperwork.
TRADE AND COOPERATION AGREEMENT THREE YEARS ON
PROPOSALS FOR REFORM BY UK BUSINESS
The third year of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) has seen several significant milestones that have changed some of the dynamics of the UK’s trading relationship with the EU.
These include the introduction and phased implementation of the Windsor Framework, a welcome thawing of UK-EU relations thereafter, and the UK re-joining the Horizon Europe research and scientific co-operation programme, as well as Copernicus.
A new survey by the BCC’s Insights Unit of 733 businesses (97% SMEs) shows the difficulties facing British firms in using the TCA have not eased.
The BCC report also highlights a fresh set of challenges approaching as UK and EU regulations diverge, creating further headaches for traders on both sides of the Channel.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
trade is good
Chambers of Commerce are built on a rich history of successful trade facilitation, promotion, and support.
Our strong capacity for policy development is firmly rooted in extensive expertise & knowledge that runs throughout the entire BCC Network.
UK TRADE FACILITATED (APPROX.)
£16bn
HOURS OF FREE GUIDANCE DELIVERED EVERY WEEK
500
FIRMS SUPPORTED
30,000
EXPORT MARKETS (ALMOST)
200
CERTIFICATES ISSUED
460,000
QUALIFIED SPECIALISTS
350
YEARS OF GLOBAL TRADE
100
GLOBALLY RESPECTED BRAND
ONE
RIGHT FIRST TIME
99.9%
Join a vibrant trade Network brimming with opportunity. With a remarkable legacy of facilitating and promoting trade, we have established a strong foothold in over 75 markets internationally.
Become our strategic international partner and work with us across each and every level of engagement in our comprehensive campaign programme. Find out more here.
To stay on top of the trade world, we constantly ask questions to the thousands of businesses in our Chamber Network. Their responses clearly indicate one thing: internationally active firms are simply more productive and resilient.
As trade evolves, new markets emerge, and greener, more sustainable products & services are developed. We have the chance to be at the forefront of this new wave of commerce for many years to come. Let’s embrace the future together.
With a local, national, and global reach, every Accredited Chamber of Commerce actively fosters trade across all levels.
As trusted trade facilitation partners, Accredited Chambers are the go-to choice for businesses of all shapes & sizes when it comes to trade guidance. Their ability to ensure seamless delivery of products across almost every industry sector makes them dependable companions to UK business. Plus, we deliver our service for exporters to almost every country in the world.
We also offer high-quality training courses for first-time and existing exporters that cover the critical steps for any new export drive. Our programmes equip businesses up and down the country with a talented & proficient workforce that is fully prepared to take on international markets. Find out more here.
The UK’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) was set up after Brexit to investigate whether new measures are needed to protect UK industries from unfair trading practices and unforeseen surges in imports. These remedies usually take the form of additional duties on those imports.
Trade remedies can be a complicated area to navigate so the TRA is there to help UK businesses of all shapes and sizes.
We have always been champions of international trade and there is no doubt in our minds that businesses that embrace exporting to overseas markets will be better off for it. However, the combined impacts of Covid-19 and Brexit have created the most significant challenges to exporters in decades.
Despite this, we wholeheartedly believe that the businesspeople of the UK have the drive, resilience, adaptability, and ingenuity to turn this challenge to their advantage.
The business that sees a gap in the market, the firm that invents a new energy-saving technology, the start-up that develops a service to help other companies become more sustainable – these innovators will all prosper in a world of international trade.
TRADE MANIFESTO
Explore our trade insights
Looking for the most up-to-date information on how we can support your path to international trade? We’ve published our 2023 Trade Manifesto which contains everything you need to know about our role in global trade, fully adapted to account for the latest developments in the world.
View our Trade Manifesto for the full details. And remember: if you want to broaden your business horizons, all it takes is the willingness to try.
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