June 2009

World Trade Week:

World Trade Week UK, 8th - 12th June

Through a series of UK and worldwide events, World Trade Week aims to showcase the success of the UK as a trading nation and the importance of global trade to international development.
As part of World Trade Week, Chambers throughout the network will be holding international trade events and related activity to help promote the benefits of global trade.

In addition, the BCC and Chamber Network have teamed up with World Trade Week organisers BERR and the DFID to work to mobilise business and promote free trade through a series of ministerial events.
The free events will be run in a number of cities providing businesses with invaluable information on the importance of world trade in creating jobs and business growth. At each event there will also be a Q&A and a networking session to further enhance understanding.

For further information about World Trade Week, please visit www.worldtradeweekuk.com

The BCC and UKTI chiefs in joint drive to get more British businesses exporting:

The BCC and UKTI have joined forces to encourage more British businesses to rediscover their mercantile spirit during the recession and are urging companies - especially SMEs - to recognise the numerous trading opportunities in foreign markets and to start exporting.

The joint call comes at the beginning of World Trade Week UK and follows the publication of the BCC's international trade survey, Exporting Britain.
The report reveals that most companies export because they have been approached by their customers (58%), or by an agent or distributor (19%). Half of the firms polled said they export to specific markets because they already had connections there.

The BCC argues that these figures suggest that many businesses are not as proactive as they could be when it comes to exporting.

David Frost, BCC Director General comments:

"Exporting is vital to the future growth of the UK economy. Not just in manufacturing but services as well. Thanks to our membership of the EU, we have a home market of nearly 500 million consumers and we should be using it as much as our European competitors are.
"Britain has some hugely successful exporters, both large and small, but we don't have enough of them. We need to explore why these companies are successful, what drives them, and what lessons can be learnt by other companies that have equally good products but do not see exporting as key."
Click here for a copy of the report Exporting Britain.

Chamber Awards 2009:

This year businesses are looking more than ever to get extra profile and exposure and Chamber Awards can give them exactly that.
Give your members the excellent opportunity to showcase their expertise in the international trade arena by promoting the Achievement in International Business Award.

Don't forget to enter your own Chamber for Excellence in International Trade Services award!

For information on all categories, the exciting venue and access to the Chamber Only section please visit http://www.chamberawards.co.uk

There you will also find all of the marketing material to help you to promote the Awards. Please make sure you check this regularly as we will continue to make changes and updates over the course of the programme.
The Awards and Gala Dinner will take place at the National Maritime Museum in London on the 26th of November where one lucky winner will be going home with a £50,000 cash prize courtesy of RBS!
We can't do it without your support and will need your help and commitment to making the Chamber Awards 2009 the most successful event yet!
Please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Chamber Awards team for any further information or questions: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel: 02476 472593.

World Chambers Congress - Kuala Lumpur, 3 - 5 June 2009:

Under the theme umbrella "Leading sustainable growth and change", the 6th World Chambers Congress in Kuala Lumpur will address the key challenges faced by business today, from the economic impact of climate change to the impact of globalization on small to medium-sized enterprises. The event will also delve into other major issues facing business: corporate governance, counterfeiting, plus how to develop young entrepreneurs and empower women in business.

Steve Baker is attending this event and is delivering a presentation on documentation. He will keep everyone informed of any interesting developments and happenings, but for more information on the event go to: http://www.kl2009.com/

Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS) and Export Communications Review (ECR):

See below the latest case study highlighting a company helped by EMRS:

Silk Cocoon, based in Oxfordshire, utilised the services of EMRS having completed the P2E program. The research identified a requirement for a greater understanding of the market prior to investing any monies. Silk Cocoon believe their decision not to invest in the US is the right decision at this time, and give praise to EMRS in helping them identify this. To read the full story, please click here.

Company: Silk Cocoon, Oxford, Eastern Region, ITA: Sharla Newport, EMRA: Clive Hogan.
See below feedback from a company in the South West who recently benefitted from an Export Communications Review:

‘I'd just like to add that as we are about to embark on the re-development of our ecommerce website, this review came at a perfect time. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact-packed, review session with Sally and was impressed with the clarity in which she presented her SEO knowledge and experience. The knowledge gained will be put to great use in our new website and make it really work for us!'

ECR case studies are also available on the BCC website, and may be accessed by clicking here.

News:

The British Chambers of Commerce response to Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Select Committee inquiry into Exporting out of recession:

To read the full document written by BCC in response to DBERR inquiry into the above subject, please click here and key in the following details. Username: chamber Password: sesame or for further information on the BCC's position, please contact John Lucas, Policy Advisor at the BCC on: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or tel: 0207 654 5806
BERR (Dept for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform - Export Control Organisation:
The ECO (Export Control Organisation) has issued its first Compliance Newsletter which has been issued to help to focus company minds on compliance and help them to comply with terms and conditions of the Open Licences they use. ECO have decided to issue regular newsletters to keep companies updated on Compliance issues and provide them with additional help and advice to help ensure a company's compliance when an audit is undertaken. If there is anything that any of your members would like to see covered, please ask them to contact their Compliance Officer. To read the details of the first Compliance Newsletter please go to:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/europeantrade/strategic-export-control/compliance/index.html

Events:

EU-Japan Newsletter:

The latest editions of these newsletters are available, to read please go to http://www.eu-japan.eu/
Amongst other EU/Japan-related information, you will find details of a programme funded by The European Commission. A topic on World Class Manufacturing. Training dates - from 18-22 October 2009 - application deadline Thursday, 11 June 2009.

Useful Links:

Please see below, a link to a new BERR pamphlet "Trading in the Global Market" giving information to companies of the support offered for overcoming barriers to trade in other countries:
http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/europeandtrade/eitd-%20whats-%20new/page12574.html

Contact the Team:

The BCC International Trade Team in Coventry comprises:

John Dunsmure: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text43485 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Robin Godfrey & the EMRS/ECR Team: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Steve Baker: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Maggie Chilton: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Visit www.britishchambers.org.uk