Chamber News

When goods are imported into the UK from a place outside the EU it will be subject to both Customs Duty and VAT. Unless there is some form of relief or duty suspension the VAT and duty are payable on import. Where there is no payment the goods will not be released by HMRC. After Brexit goods imported from the EU may also be subject to the same duty regime; this will depend upon the terms of the negotiations with the EU. It is, however, important to be aware of the reliefs that are available.

The most significant relief is VAT and duty deferment. This allows the VAT and duty payable to be deferred. The duty will be taken from the importers bank account in the middle of the following month. The VAT due will be payable on the importers next VAT return and this VAT can be reclaimed according to the normal VAT rules. Details of duty deferment can be obtained in Notice 101 and from HMRC by emailing them at cdoenquiries@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.

Duty payable can be reduced by claiming a preference. This allows come goods to be subject to a reduced rate of duty depending on where they originate from. This is usually to help promote development in developing countries. Other duty relief schemes include:

temporary admission – goods that are imported for a specific use for a limited period (such as exhibitions and conferences). No duty is payable on import, but the goods must be exported at the end of their use

inward processing – goods imported for processing in the EU, and then re-exported after processing. The relief is that no duty is payable on the goods imported for processing and export

outward processing relief – this reduces the duty payable on goods that have been imported into the EU, if they have been previously been exported from the EU for processing. The duty payable is the duty that would be due on the imported goods, less the duty that would be payable on the exported unprocessed goods as if they had been imported

warehousing – goods can be stored duty and VAT free in an approved customs or VAT warehouse. Duty is payable when the goods move into free circulation within the EU

community system of duty relief – certain goods that promote culture and science can be imported duty free

duty suspensions or quota goods – some goods are subject to reduced or nil duty until a quota of imports is reached

returned goods relief – exported goods that are re-imported are free of duty

end-use relief – some goods are relieved of duty where they end up in certain specified products (such as aircraft or in the space industry).

In each of these cases imports are to be from countries outside the EU and exports are to countries outside the EU as Customs Duty is (currently) an EU levy. As a general rule the application for the relief must be made before the import or export occurs. Furthermore, the record-keeping requirements are strict, failure to keep the appropriate records will mean duty, and perhaps penalties, will be applied. More information on these reliefs can be obtained from HMRC’s helpline: 0300 200 3700.

New legislation adopted by the European Commission has increased the guarantee limit under Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR).

With over 50 countries using the procedure, the TIR system is the international customs transit system with the widest geographical coverage. It enables goods to move under customs control across international borders without the payment of the duties and taxes that would normally be due at importation or exportation.

The new rules – which entered into force on 14 June – raise the guarantee limit in the EU from €60,000 to €100,000 per TIR Carnet.

Welcoming the move, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) said that the change to the TIR guarantee limits will ensure a better value customs transit system, with extra financial security and a more comprehensive guarantee framework for transport, trade and customs.

Overall, it will result in a more effective and robust system for customs authorities and the road transport industry, the IRU claims.

According to the IRU, the Commission has amended the existing legislation after efforts by the road transport body to establish a more competitive economic environment for road transport and international trade.

Countries outside the EU which will also benefit from the increased limit include: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, Serbia and Ukraine.

Any new countries acceding to the TIR Convention will also be able to benefit from higher limits.

The full text of the new rules – in the form of EU Regulation 2017/989 which amends the Union Customs Code (UCC) EU Regulation 2015/2447 – can be found at eur-lex.europa.eu.

A new initiative aims to encourage collaboration between British and Chinese companies on a range of innovative projects.

Taking the form of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between representatives from the UK and from China’s Guangdong province, the initiative should enable more UK businesses to work with Chinese partners.

The MoU offers significant opportunities for UK entrepreneurs to partner with like-minded organisations and collaborate on business research and development (R&D) projects.

Guangdong is the largest provincial economy in China and a principal driver of the national economy, according to Innovate UK which will shortly launch a competition for UK businesses to collaborate with Chinese partners on projects to improve cities in the Guangdong province.

Available under the umbrella of the Newton Fund, the competition will focus on smart mobility, big data solutions that promote affordable healthcare and smart platforms for sustainable urban environments.

Innovate UK has also taken the opportunity to promote associated funding initiatives, including another Newton Fund competition which offers up to £8 million to UK businesses and researchers to work with Chinese partners on cutting-edge technologies that solve agricultural challenges in China.

Full details can be found at the GOV.UK website.

Building on the last six year’s success, Norfolk Chamber bring you an unmissable opportunity to experience first-hand how digital technology is impacting on your business today – and tomorrow.

The digital revolution has changed the way we do business forever. It’s a 24/7 world. We’re always online. Always connected.

In this fully interactive experience you’ll be brought up to speed on how digital technology is shaping the future of business, and how you can maximize its potential.

Without the knowledge to embrace technology, many businesses are at risk of being left behind. Talking Technology aims to equip all businesses with the knowledge and digital skills to take advantage of upcoming tech advances.

Hear from local and national brands including Microsoft, Prison Voicemail, Ubisend and more who will guide you through key issues including –

·         The rise of Artificial Intelligence

·         Everything on Demand

·         Gap in the Market

PLUS! Develop practical skills and take away top tips from four 30 minute invaluable workshops delivered by leaders in their field from Immersive VR, the User Story, Innershed and Integro.

To celebrate local success stories, we are bringing businesses from Norfolk who will share their experiences and expertise on a wealth of digital and technological issues in a series of lightening talks. Business getting involved include Tech East, Blue Sky Drones, Step into Tech and Foolproof.                                                        

All this, as well as a networking lunch, Q&A Panel and an exhibition featuring some of the region’s best businesses. Talking Technology is inspiring growth for your business through digital innovation and it’s unmissable!

Talking Technology is back…

Experience it at

The Space, Norwich

Wednesday 20 September 2017, 8.30am – 2pm

To book your place, click here. 

A possible post-Brexit trade agreement between the UK and the USA was on the agenda when Dr Liam Fox, the UK’s International Trade Secretary, met US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer recently.

During his first international trip since the general election, Dr Fox agreed with Mr Lighthizer that they will work to strengthen economic links between the UK and the USA.

Trade between the two countries is currently worth some US$230 billion a year. The USA is also the single biggest source of inward investment into the UK, while between them the two have an estimated US$1 trillion invested in each other’s economies.

Commenting after the meeting, Dr Fox said he was delighted to be making the visit to the USA – which is, he pointed out, the UK’s largest single trading partner, accounting for a fifth of all exports.

The talks underlined the shared interest in forging a closer trade and economic relationship, he added, including making progress on policy co-ordination, regulatory issues and expanding trade and investment.

“As our largest single trading partner, we have a strong foundation to build on as we start preparation on joint work to explore a future ambitious trade agreement once the UK has left the EU,” he concluded.

For his part, Mr Lighthizer described the UK as an invaluable trading partner for the USA and said that, as Brexit negotiations begin, he looks forward to working with Dr Fox and the US Congress to lay the groundwork for a future trade relationship, including exploring the possibility of a new US-UK trade agreement.

Meanwhile, the USA is committed to continuing discussions for improving trade and investment, and for co-ordinating action to address global excess capacity issues, Mr Lighthizer added.

Proposals are being discussed in the EU which, if adopted, would improve access for Ukrainian exporters to European markets.

EU ambassadors have reached agreement on the Council of Minister’s position on temporary autonomous trade measures in favour of Ukraine and have agreed that they should be adopted swiftly.

The new measures would apply for three years and comprise additional import quotas at zero tariff for certain agricultural products (tariff rate quotas at 0%), plus the partial or full removal of import duties on several industrial products.

By way of safeguard measures, Ukraine will be obliged to respect the same principles as under its existing association agreement with the EU, including respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for the principle of the rule of law.

For their part, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have voted to ensure that tomatoes, wheat and urea do not enjoy further quota preferences than those outlined in the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) already in place with Ukraine.

MEPs also want to see the fight against corruption made a condition for granting Ukraine preferential exports, and have called for industry representatives, not just Member States, to be able to request a study on possible measures protecting EU producers.

The EU is Ukraine’s largest trading partner, with Ukrainian exports to the Member States totalling €12.7 billion in 2015. EU exports to Ukraine that year were valued at €13.9 billion.

MEP Jaroslaw Walesa said that, by granting additional temporary trade preferences, the European Parliament wants to support the ongoing reforms, strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and provide the necessary impetus for increased trade flows.

“I hope that these measures will boost our relationship and effectively help Ukraine,” he added.

A summit between the two trading partners is scheduled on 12 July 2017.

How can businesses and education providers work together to help young people succeed in their careers?

Join British Chambers of Commerce on Thursday 6 July to hear fromLabour party leader Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP and other influential names in the worlds of business and education including, among others, Neil Carmichael (Former chair, Education Select Committee), Rt Hon Sir Vince Cable MP (Former Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills) and Judith Doyle (Principal/CEO, Gateshead College, 2016 TES FE leader of the year).

Network with businesses and educators across the country, as well as taking part in interactive breakout sessions run by ‘F1 in Schools’ and ‘KMF’.

Tickets are selling fast so book now  to attend and take advantage of this exciting opportunity to hear the Leader of the Opposition, Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP, speak on skills and education.

On Thursday 22th June, our members joined us at The Royal Assembly Rooms, Great Yarmouth for a morning of networking over breakfast and a presentation from Michael Timewell, Director at Blue Sky Leisure.

The Chamber’s Public Affairs Manager, Nova Fairbank hosted the event, which began with members taking part in an ice breaker game of ‘Finish the sentence’. This allowed guests to find out a little more about those on their tables, such as their childhood dream jobs and the favourite parts of the industry they work in. A delicious breakfast was then served and members got a chance to speak more to the other people on their tables

To facilitate more networking opportunities, guests participated in a chamber favourite – the Safari move! Once at their new tables and having introduced themselves, in the spirit of the theme of Michael’s talk, we had a tourism quiz where members were asked to guess the name of 9 famous Norfolk hotspots.   

Michael Timewell then took to the floor to discuss the impact Tourism has on Norfolk and why we should all love a tourist. Drawing upon his experience having worked in the tourism sector for a huge part of his career, he emphasized the importance of the industry for the economy of Norfolk. He spoke about how it had changed in recent times and that people are more inclined to holiday in Britain and spend money on days out rather than travelling abroad. He finished with talking about how we should all do our part in ensuring Norfolk continues its reputation as a popular tourist destination.

Following Michael’s presentation, there was time for a Q&A session. The morning concluded with a final round of networking with their existing contacts and also the new ones they had made that day.

See photos from the event

The next Great Yarmouth Business Breakfast is Norwich breakfast is Thursday 7th September, book your place

Last year, the Government announced the expansion of Heathrow Airport.   An expanded Heathrow will double the airport’s cargo capacity and increase the number of domestic connections, boosting Britain’s exporters and ensuring every region and nation of the UK can get to global markets. With up to 40 more long haul destinations, the project will make Britain the best-connected country in the world. 

Heathrow has committed to maximising opportunities for British businesses, including those in Norfolk, of all sizes who could benefit from being involved in the building one of the largest privately-funded infrastructure projects in Europe.  

In April 2017, Heathrow invited local business communities to showcase why their area is suitable to host one of four new logistics hubs.  Suitable locations will have good connectivity, access to a relevant supply chain and strong local skills. Heathrow has produced a document explaining what they want to achieve and how businesses can get involved.

Interested parties should visit https://procurement.heathrow.com to register their interest and complete an Expression of Interest questionnaire before 31st July 2017. All applications will be considered by Heathrow and a list of potential sites is expected to be announced later this year.

Commenting on the Queen’s Speech, Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“Whilst Brexit isn’t the top immediate priority for many Norfolk businesses, firms of every size and shape want to avoid turbulence and confusion during the Brexit transition. The government’s proposed bills on trade, customs and immigration must minimise adjustment costs and maximise opportunities. Achieving this will require continuous and constructive engagement with business community in Norfolk and across the rest of the UK.

“Importantly, many of the real, practical priorities for businesses across Norfolk can be delivered without new primary legislation. Ministers must inject real momentum and pace into the major infrastructure schemes that have already been agreed and announced, such as the A47 improvement measures.

“They must cut back on the stifling up-front costs that deter investment and risk-taking, and press ahead with an Industrial Strategy that helps places across Norfolk to achieve their potential. This is an important moment for ministers to show that they are doing their day job, and delivering a stronger environment for growth here at home.

“Businesses across Norfolk want to see a workable government going about its day job, and clear signals that the economy is once again front and centre in political life. Consensus and a strong partnership between government and business will be critical at a time of significant change.”

On the Customs Bill:

“Norfolk Chamber of Commerce facilitate millions of pounds worth of UK trade across borders every year. We stand ready to work with the government to develop a UK customs system that supports free-flowing trade between UK firms and their customers and suppliers around the world. It is crucial that business and government work together, as well, to ensure that a new UK customs code underpins seamless trade between the UK and the continent in the years to come.”

On Immigration Bill:

“We want to see the needs of the Norfolk economy at the heart of this once-in-a-generation overhaul of the UK’s immigration system. While local businesses accept the need for controls over migration flows, they want clear assurances that they will be able to recruit from overseas to fill vacancies when they are unable to find or train suitable candidates here at home.

“After Brexit, they will also want to see a flexible system for the movement of labour and skills between the UK and the EU that enjoys clear public support. This is also a major opportunity to simplify the Home Office’s bureaucratic processes, which impose heavy costs and great uncertainty on businesses and individuals alike.”

On the Trade Bill:

“Safeguarding and retaining the favourable terms of trade that Norfolk businesses have enjoyed under EU free trade agreements negotiated by the EU over the past four decades must be a top priority for ministers as the UK develops its own trade policy. The firms we represent say that confirming existing levels of market access is a bigger immediate priority than launching new free trade negotiations with new countries and markets around the world. They also need ground-level trade promotion and support to take advantage of the opportunities that new trade agreements may create in future.”

On the Great Repeal Bill:

“At a time of change, Norfolk businesses want as much short-term certainty and stability as possible on their regulatory obligations. This bill must deliver continuity and the day-one equivalence that is necessary for businesses to continue to trade seamlessly with customers and suppliers, both in Europe and across the world.”

Norfolk Chamber has recently been talking to businesses about their future plans to better understand what factors are holding back their potential business growth.  The Roundtables were free to attend and held in Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn. Businesses will have a final chance to have their say at the last Roundtable which will be held in Norwich on Tuesday 11 July 2017.

So far over 40 businesses, of differing sizes and from a diverse range of sectors have attended the Roundtables to help pull together evidence for the updated New Anglia LEP Economic Strategy.  Among the common themes in both areas were calls for better road and rail links, such as a fully dualled A47, and faster broadband.  They also identified the need for parallel investment to be made in public transport to ensure sustainability of improved infrastructure.

Commenting on the need for improved infrastructure and a strong business input, Norfolk Chamber President, Jonathan Cage said:

“Previous infrastructure campaigns, such as the dualling of the A11 in Norfolk, were won by making clear the benefits to business.  We can do a lot with joined-up marketing – that is in our power – however it is harder for us to say we are going to dual the A47.  That’s where we need businesses to explain the difference it would make to them.”

Also highlighted as key priorities were improved skills and raising the aspirations of young people; the forging of stronger links between schools and employers; and engagement with students of a younger age.

The new Economic Strategy, will lay out the direction for the Norfolk and Suffolk economies through to 2036, highlighting where key strengths can be supported and where improvements are necessary.  The finalised document is due for publication by New Anglia LEP in Autumn 2017.

Another business consideration that came from both Roundtables, was the need for a communication/PR strategy to ‘tell the story’ of Norfolk – to not only say, what a great place to live and work the county is, but to promote our strengths and show what opportunities are available.

The last Norfolk Roundtable will be held in Norwich on 11 July 2017.  Ensure your business voice is heard by booking your free place now at the Norwich Roundtable.

Yesterday, the Sunday Times published an open letter from the UK’s leading business organisations, including the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), on behalf of the Chamber network.

The leaders of the BCC, CBI, EEF, Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Business all joined together to call on the Government to ensure that the Brexit negotiations take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect, and that they engage continuously with UK business interests on the many crucial and complex aspects of our future economic relationship with the European Union.

Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:

“As the Government prepares to move forward with Brexit, the aim must be to protect and strengthen our Norfolk economy and the wider UK economy. How to do this, means working in real partnership with all businesses, local and national to draw upon on expertise.

The challenge for such a partnership is for key influencers to agree and work towards a common goal.  The proactive behaviour from the leaders of the British Chambers of Commerce, alongside the four UK-wide business organisations, who collectively have a great many people across the region has resulted in the formulating, agreeing and submitting of a joint statement to Government on the UK’s future relationship with the European and expressing clearly the principles for our economic success and prosperity.”

To read the joint statement in full, click here.