Member Article

Lancashire firms prepare for Brexit with international trade experts

International trade experts met with Lancashire businesses at the prestigious International Trade Club (ITC) Breakfast Meeting to discuss the preparations they need to make before Brexit.

On May 9th, professionals from government bodies and local firms offered their advice to business people at the ITC meeting, which took place at The Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel, in Accrington.

The ITC meeting, which is jointly sponsored by local accountants and business advisers, Baldwins, a Cogital Group company, and Forbes Solicitors, is run by the International Business team at the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce (ELCC).

With the majority of businesses seeking advice about how the UK’s exit from the EU will impact them, speaker Hayley Goldsbrough, a policy official in the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Department’s EU Exit Business Intelligence and Readiness Directorate, provided an overview of what businesses should consider in order to prepare for Brexit.

In an insightful presentation, Hayley discussed the Government’s information campaign, tools and resources for businesses, the new sector primers and recent announcements.

Ananda Guha, Deputy Director, and Elizabeth Osgood, Business Readiness, EU Exit, Agri-Food Chain Directorate from Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), also delivered a thought-provoking presentation, providing an update on the current situation and their expert advice.

Regional International Trade Development Liaison Officer for HM Revenue and Customs, John Griffiths explained to guests what they need to know to survive a Customs audit, including preparation and what information Customs expect to be available.

Offering their top tips, Edward and Sharon Xuereb, from Preston-based Progrex IT Solutions opened the attendees’ minds to the world of workflow solutions and how they can help manufacturing companies bridge the gap between their UK and international sites, suppliers or customers.

The club aims to help importers and exporters develop their knowledge of current issues and share their experiences of trading internationally.

Speaking about the event Mandy Lockett, International Business Director at ELCC said: “On behalf of the chamber I would like to say thank you again to all of the fantastic speakers. The presentations really engaged guests and sparked some very interesting conversations.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Harvey & Hugo .