Daniela Turiccki is the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade's Export Controls Practice lead.
The Chartered Institute has introduced nine new advisory services to help businesses survive and thrive.
Announced on 2 February, the new services include tailored support for optimising special procedures, full compliance health checks and specialised services on export controls, trade in Northern Ireland and duty payments.
These have been designed by industry-leading experts to meet the needs and concerns of many of the UK’s businesses, particularly SMEs.
A complex problem
Over the last few years, trade has become increasingly complex.
Brexit has made doing business with one of the UK’s largest trading partners more difficult for many companies, particularly SMEs, who might struggle to manage the additional administration at the border.
New paperwork requirements and customs checks have added to the burdens businesses face when selling to Europe.
Additionally, global disruptions as a result of environmental change, political unrest and US President Donald Trump’s tariff programme have added to the cost of doing business.
Many of the systems and technology introduced to solve these problems are also not easy to implement for many firms.
Business problems
Before launching these services, the Chartered Institute went through an extensive period of research and consultation.
Many organisations said they were struggling to remain compliant with the various regimes and rules, while also running into difficulties implementing many of the technologies that could make them more efficient.
SMEs, the backbone of the UK economy, were some of the hardest-hit, as they lacked the in-house and specialist knowledge that larger companies could call on.
Feedback
Firms were also saying that they needed help to avoid both disruptions across their supply chain and also to deal with the increased risks of fines for non-compliance.
Areas like sanctions, export controls and customs duty payments were some of the areas that were highlighted as being particularly problematic.
Industry feedback, through our various member-forums and webinars, called for clear specialist guidance. Many businesses didn’t want a standard advice template, but instead indicated they wanted tailored support for their organisations.
A substantial majority said they wanted a responsive approach, with regular touchpoints with the expert providing guidance designed for their organisation.
Why?
The ultimate aim of the Chartered Institute is to provide a full range of coverage for our Advisory Services.
The new suite of nine advisory services offers a wide selection of consultancy choices to businesses looking for ways to keep their trade competitive, compliant and efficient.
