Dedicated hotline and online service launched for UK exporters

Dedicated hotline and online service launched for UK exporters

British businesses exporting to Europe will now be able to access one-to-one advice via a new phone and online service launched by the Government today.

Following extensive engagement with businesses, the Department for International Trade (DIT) is making it easier for exporters and those considering exporting to access the information they need to export to the rest of Europe.

From queries around rules of origin, to guidance on recognising professional qualifications and entering new markets, the Export Support Service will provide a single point of contact. It will help exporters navigate a range of complex information simply and quickly.

Europe is a key destination for high-quality UK goods and services. In 2020 alone, the UK exported £288bn worth of goods to Europe – with medicinal and pharmaceutical products, and cars among the top five.

 

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Business has been pointing out the daily difficulties firms, large and small, have had with the new trading terms for EU exports since they started on 1 January.

“Many have found themselves wrestling with issues around VAT, export health certificates, and origin certification for the first time.

“The Chambers Network and ChamberCustoms were ready on day one for this challenge and have continued to share their practical experience and knowledge of how to best facilitate trade and market access for our members.

“Every day we are working to make this happen in a way no-one else does. Our expertise allows us to offer advice, training, brokerage and documentation services for trade with both the EU and wider international market.

“We are keen to work in partnership with Government to enhance this capacity to lift export-led growth for companies the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, using our Global Business Network to extend their reach.

“We look forward to working with the Europe Export Support Service and hope it will prove complementary to the unrivalled support the Chamber Network provides to exporting UK companies.

“Unfortunately, many firms have given up exporting to EU customers since January, while others have found the new barriers to trade in goods and services a massive financial and logistical burden.

“The essential test for this new service will be to turn that around and do it quickly, by adding value to the work of Chambers and not to further confuse UK companies. Rebuilding the economy after the pandemic requires turbo-charged export-led growth – especially with our largest trading partner – the EU.”

"Many firms have given up exporting to EU customers since January, while others have found the new barriers to trade in goods and services a massive financial and logistical burden."

Share this news story:

Other News

28-03-2024
X-Press celebrates 25 years in business

Local property search company X-Press Legal Services is celebrating the exceptional milestone of 25 years in business.

Read More
28-03-2024
Businesses across regions recognise the crucial role of overcoming language and cultural barriers fo...

A recent comprehensive survey conducted by Chamber member PAB Group across South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Midland...

Read More

Join our ever-growing membership base

Become a member
Our Patrons