Latest news & events


All the latest news, updates & events:

January 2021

UK EU trade deal analysis January 2021 - download document

 

December 2020

New updates from the Government on UK Transition

Click on the image below to find out what actions you need to take as a business for the end of transition

Click on the image below to see sector specific end of transition actions

 

EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement 

On 24 December 2020, an agreement in principle was reached at negotiators’ level. Both parties will now advance with the signature and ratification of the Agreement, in line with their respective rules and procedures, with a view to its provisional application from 1 January 2021. Find out more here

 

HMRC Transition Update

If your business trades goods with Europe or you represent businesses who do, you’ll need to be prepared for changes from 1 ‌January 2021.

If you’re new to customs processes you can start to get familiar with them in HMRC’s short importing and exporting videos on HMRC'S YouTube channel.

HMRC have a trader checklist to help you prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period.

Exporting: Actions you need to take to prepare for 1‌‌ ‌January‌‌ ‌2021

HMRC are running webinars that explains what actions you need to take to export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. These webinars run through key export processes – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations that you’ll need.

Register here

Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary

If you import or export goods between the UK and the EU your business will need to complete import or export declarations, or both. As this is a complicated process a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. These webinar’s explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary to complete either import or export declarations or both.

Register here

What are customs import declarations?

If you import goods, you’ll need to prepare for making customs import declarations on controlled goods from 1‌‌ ‌January, and by the end of June on all goods. This webinar will help you to understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, making import declarations without authorisation, and delayed import declarations.

Register here

Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them

Recognising the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare for the 31‌‌ December 2020 deadline, the UK in introducing the new border controls in three stages up until 1‌‌ July 2021. This flexible approach will give you extra time to make necessary arrangements. This webinar will take you through the three stages and the actions you need to take.

Register here

 

November 2020

Trade Survey - #1 - download here

UK and Kenya secure a trade agreement 

The UK has moved a step closer to signing a sixth trade deal in Africa today (3 November), as negotiations on a trade deal are finalised with Kenya. The agreement will ensure all companies operating in Kenya, including British businesses, can continue to benefit from duty-free access as they export products including vegetables and flowers to their customers back in the UK.

Read full article here.

October 2020

British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce - October newsletter

Doing Business in Central America and the Dominican Republic

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is delighted to invite you to join their webinar on business opportunities in Central America and the Dominican Republic, which brings together regional experts to discuss how to take advantage of the free trade agreements between the UK and the region, and successfully do business in these markets.

Find out more here and register online for the webinar here.

September 2020

Webinars for exporters of animals and products of animal origin to the EU

Find out more about the new processes and actions that your business can take to ensure that you are ready to continue exporting live animals, fish and products of animal origin to the EU from 1 January 2021, by registering to attend Defra’s new webinar series.

British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce - September newsletter

Despite the recent uncertainty in the economic and property markets due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia continues to soldier through in finding creative solutions to overcome its problems. We believe this slowdown is temporary and will get back to normal within the short to medium term. 

In spite of this situation, Merdeka 118, a landmark development in Malaysia, is now back on track and is set to be completed by 2022. Strategically located with world-class amenities, the Merdeka 118 precinct is Malaysia's much-anticipated centre of commerce, culture and heritage.

download the full newsletter here.

Suffolk Chamber patron: Cory Brothers - Brexit



UK and Australia – Open for RegTech Business webinar - register & find out more here.

The UK & Ireland and Australia both offer great opportunities for RegTech firms. Off the back of our recent report “The UK & Ireland RegTech Market” we are holding a webinar to discuss:

  • What does the UK and Ireland RegTech market look like?

  • Why is the UK & Ireland a good environment for RegTech to prosper?

  • What does it take for an Australian RegTech company to thrive in the UK?

  • Why should UK & Ireland based RegTech firms consider expanding into Australia?

  • What does the future of RegTech look like in both countries in the light of COVID-19?

Transition  

Letters to businesses about new trade arrangements with the EU from 1 January 2021

HMRC letters to VAT-registered businesses in Great Britain trading with the EU and/or the rest of the world, highlighting actions they need to take to continue trading with the EU from 1 January 2021.

Renewable Energy Sector: Discover Six New Markets in Asia for Growth Opportunity (15 Sep)

Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam are the 6 largest countries in Southeast Asia combining to account for more than 80% of the region's economy and US$95mil renewables business opportunities. With average GDP growth of more than 5% per annum (2015-2019), the nations need to fulfil their energy demand while transitioning to greener energy in the effort to tackle climate change. 

To assist UK companies in identifying these opportunities, the UK Government has published a report that covers the market landscape and potential in each country. 

Organised by the Department for International Trade (DIT), this webinar is the start of a regional series that will launch the report and highlight the opportunities in the region. The audience will also be able to learn from a UK company’s experience in entering and succeeding in the market. Register for webinar here.

UK-ASEAN business opportunities in renewable energy - August 2020 Report

The ASEAN Prosperity Fund is delighted to launch a series of detailed reports which set out market conditions and specific project opportunities in the renewable energy sector. If you are a UK business working in this sector, this report will prove valuable to you. The series covers six countries in Southeast Asia - Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Costa Rica: Opportunities in AgriTech 24 September 2020

The Department for International Trade (DIT), the British-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce and the Costa Rica Chamber of Agriculture are delighted to invite you to join our virtual workshop on opportunities in AgriTech in Costa Rica. This event offers an exclusive opportunity to learn about Costa Rica’s current initiatives to increase the productivity of the agriculture and fisheries sectors and the specific opportunities that arise for UK companies. Learn first-hand from sector experts how to enter this dynamic market.

Download the flyer here for more information.

The British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce in association with the Department for International Trade, UK is delighted to organise an exclusive forum on Malaysia – A Resilient and Preferred destination for British exports and Investment.

Malaysia, the UK's second largest trading partner in ASEAN remains a highly attractive destination for British companies wishing to expand their business overseas. Despite the global economic downturn, bilateral ties between the UK and Malaysia remain strong and opportunities for international players continue to emerge. Malaysia is also increasingly seen by MNCs as a location for manufacturing and services operations, in response to Covid-19 and global trade policy conditions.

Book your place here.

NBCC survey: Are you a member of the NBCC (The Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce) and want to have your say on how they can improve their services offered to you?

Not a member, but active in Anglo-Dutch business and interested in how the NBCC could help your organisation?

NBCC are currently running a survey alongside NLinBusiness, which is available to complete here: https://lnkd.in/dykDzXT.

August 2020

‘Singapore – Future Cities: Opportunities for UK Companies’ will provide insight into Singapore’s progressive journey of innovation, sustainability, the implementation of technology and where opportunity may lay as they continue to lead the way in urban design.

The session will be moderated by Richard Warburton, President of the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore and welcomes:

  • Christopher Yap, Regional Director of Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), who will provide context of the ‘Singapore story and perspective on Future Cities’

  • Eugene Lau, Deputy Director of the Urban Design Technology Team, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

  • Eugene Lim, Regional Cities Practice Lead and Cynthia Huang, Infrastructure Advisor from Mott MacDonald, who will reflect on their journey in Singapore and the share best practise for companies seeking to enter the market.

    Registration is free of charge via the link here.

Importing goods from January 2021: The UK Global Tariff 

The UK has left the EU. The transition period will end on 31 December this year and the UK will leave the single market and customs union. Businesses should take action now to start preparing for new trading rules which will be in effect from January 2021.

Here’s what you need to know if your business imports goods from overseas. 

What is the UK Global Tariff (UKGT)?

The UKGT is the UK’s independent ‘Most Favoured Nation’ tariff. This is a schedule of taxes to be paid on goods imported into the UK from January 2021. The UKGT will replace the EU’s Common External Tariff.

The UKGT will not apply to goods imported from a country that the UK has a trade deal with, a country that is part of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences or where an exception applies. 

What should I do next?

  1. Learn more about the UK Global Tariff

  2. Plan ahead by looking up the tariffs you will need to pay using the tariff look up tool.

  3. If you import goods from the EU, learn more about the import process and border controls with the EU from January 2021.

  4. Visit GOV.UK/transition for more information about what you need to do to prepare for the changes coming into effect from January 2021.

You can also find information and advice about trading internationally (outside the EU) at great.gov.uk.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce - Trade Recovery Plan (post COVID-19)

To ensure future resilience, Suffolk businesses need to plan for continuity in challenging circumstances - COVID-19; the UK’s departure from the EU and continued dislocation to global supply chains. The Suffolk Public Sector, business intermediaries and key stakeholders all have a role to play in creating the right frameworks, support structures and the necessary conditions, not only to restart the recovery of the Suffolk economy following COVID-19 but to seek an economic future that is more vibrant, open, sustainable and innovative.

You can download the full recovery plan here.

Letter from Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster - download here.

Leadership in Asia: Navigating Global Markets

13th August, 16:00 – 17:15 (SGT)

When looking for advice and inspiration on how to approach your own leadership journey, all too often the places you will find yourself are dominated by the Western perspective. We think there is a lot to learn from the East as well, and will be hearing personal stories and an academic framework for how you can take those lessons forward.

BritCham Singapore: Everything You Need to Know

27th August, 16:00 – 17:30 (SGT)

In this special session our Executive Director and Business Services Director will provide an overview of who we are, what we do, and how we can help you.

If you would like to understand more about the Chamber, this is a session not to be missed. The conversation will broadly cover:

  • Our strategic focus

  • Our trade activities

  • The networking opportunities for members

  • The available business development activities

  • Our governance

  • Our connectivity to Government

  • Member benefits

  • The work of our committees

  • How we have been supporting members through COVID-19

  • Our events, digital content and opportunities to engage in the conversations