T h e N o r t h - e a s t ’ s o f f i c i a l B u s i n e s s B r e a k f a s t N e w s p a p e r | w w w. a g c c . c o . u k
Money talk
Receive up to 100% of your training costs by taking advantage of the HMRC Customs Grant Scheme
For more information email training@agcc.co.uk TRAINING courses aimed at ensuring businesses are as prepared as they possibly can be to exit the EU are available to support North-east businesses. Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce hopes the courses, which are recognised by the BCC National Accredited Trade Training™ curriculum, will give businesses in the area the edge to transition successfully when the UK leaves the EU at the end of the year. The courses will equip organisations with the enhanced skills and knowledge to take on international markets and prepare for the new customs procedures that will
soon be in place. The training programme includes nine centrally accredited modules which cover a core export skills curriculum and provide invaluable tools for varying sizes of company and employee experience levels. On successful completion of a module, each candidate receives a BCC accredited certificate which leads to a Foundation Award in International Trade upon the completion of six. Each module is sat virtually, from the comfort of your home or office. The Chamber is currently offering three for two on all international courses,
allowing you the opportunity to gain three accreditations yourself or to admit three different employees on to the same course, both with a heavily reduced price. What’s more, the UK Government’s custom grant scheme is still available for businesses and can cover 100% of the cost of international training for employees, a plan to boost the nations trading knowledge prior to 2021. Eligible organisations include traders and customs intermediaries (such as customs brokers, fast parcel operators and freight forwarders) who make or intend to make customs declarations
for their own goods or on behalf of others. Susan Staniforth, training team leader, at the Chamber, said: “There really is no time like the present to ensure businesses are prepared for leaving the EU in January. The changes to customs and regulations will undoubtedly have an effect on all organisations who trade internationally and we’d urge them to take advantage of the government grants that may soon become unavailable.” For further information on international training and the grant funding available please email the team at training@ agcc.co.uk
GAIN a fascinating insight from Andrew Bailey, governor of the Bank of England, and Adam Marshall, British Chambers of Commerce director general, on September 22 as part of the Global Insights Leaders Programme. The ongoing impact of the pandemic means that global economic conditions are likely to remain challenging while exiting the EU brings further uncertainty for UK business. This webinar will include a discussion on the Bank of England’s decision to significantly expand quantitative easing and how they work with financial institutions to provide support for businesses. Visit the Chamber website to book.
EU exit countdown AS TIME ticks down to the day that the UK officially leaves the EU, the Chamber is hosting a series of webinars to further ensure you’re prepared. Starting with 100 days to go which will take place on September 22, Liam Smyth, BCC director of international trade facilitation, will host this and three further webinars to mark 75 days, 50 days and finally just 30 days to go. Each webinar will be full of practical information and advice on what businesses need to do now in order to be prepared for the changes on January 1, 2021. For details visit agcc.co.uk