Government-backed agencies designed to help UK businesses trade overseas are reportedly struggling to meet targets as SMEs show reluctance to sell overseas. That’s according to a report from the British Business Bank which found that exports from small and medium-sized businesses account for just 32% of UK exports, down from 50% 11 years ago. The
The government has announced plans for up to 10 freeports to be opened across the UK as part of a wider plan to ‘regenerate communities and turbocharge Britain’s post-Brexit growth’. Currently in a 10-week consultation period, the aim is to announce the location of the new zones before the end of the year and to
The government has confirmed plans to implement import controls on goods entering the UK from the European Union once the transition period comes to an end on 31st December. After departing the EU’s customs union and single market, all UK exports and imports will be treated equally according to the Chancellor of the Duchy of
Businesses are being urged to apply for large grants to help complete customs declarations. Offered by HMRC, there are three grants available designed to help the recruitment, IT and technical requirements that companies will face when completing customs declarations and processes. There is also funding available for customs intermediaries for the hiring of new staff
The Department for International Trade has this month launched two new digital tools to support businesses exporting goods in and out of the UK. The tools, available on the gov.uk website, explain product and country-specific details regarding tariffs and regulations. Pooling this information into one online location is designed to make it easier for businesses
Whilst for large and enterprise organisations, Brexit has dominated the list of top headaches for over three years, for small businesses, other challenges are deemed far more pressing. That’s according to a new report from Clearwater International, titled Growth Europe, which surveyed some 2,100 small and medium-sized businesses across Western Europe. Of those firms questioned,
Two years ago, the United Nations warned that the planet had just 12 years to limit climate change catastrophe. Now, as 2020 gets into full swing, the latest UN report suggests little progress has been made. In fact, it’s getting worse. A study by the Climate Accountability Institute highlighted the effect that some businesses are
Data from the Office for National Statistics have shown how UK firms have been capitalising on opportunities outside of the European Union over the last 18 months. The figures show that in the year to September 2019, EU exports grew by 1.3% to just under £300 billion. Non-EU exports, however, grew 6.3% to £373.7 billion
The confidence levels of UK businesses are slowly starting to rise after three years of political uncertainty – though investment caution remains. The resounding majority delivered to Boris Johnson in the general election caused a sharp increase in directors’ confidence in both their own firms and the economy at large. The Institue of Directors reported
There have been numerous ways in which businesses have looked to prepare for Brexit. For some, setting up operational hubs on the continent has proved popular. Others have switched head office locations, whilst some are still resolute in their lethargy to make any operational or structural changes at all. But for some UK companies, a