The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end this year, so what happens about Brexit and International Trade support after from January 2021?

That is a question many businesses have been asking, and Surrey Chambers International Trade Manager, Gary Hayes, has been happy to share his recommendations.

‘I would recommend that any businesses review the Transition Guidance on the Government website how to prepare for trade with the EU after 1st January 2021, as well as the British Chamber website guidance that can be located on their Brexit hub pages.

I'd also advise that business register for updates or newsletters from the gov.uk website, as many of the changes that will affect the rules and regulations, will be sent to you automatically as updates.'

Gary continues ‘in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, it is expected that many of the rules and regulations stated within the transition guidance will remain the same however, there might be changes to others.’

There will be a ‘Preparing for change from 1st January 2021’ page appearing on Surrey Chamber of Commerce website over the next few weeks.

Don’t miss these brand new topical and interactive webinars, designed to count down to the end of the EU Transition period.

Dates:

Webinar 3: 75 days to go
Friday 16 October, 10:00 – 11:00

Webinar 3: 50 days to go
Wednesday 11 November, 10:00 – 11:00

Webinar 4: 30 days to go
Tuesday 1st December, 10:00 – 11:00

Hosted by Customs expert Liam Smyth, these highly relevant and engaging webinars will guide businesses through the complexity of change in our import and export processes, systems and controls from 1st January 2020.

Full of practical information and advice on what businesses need to do now in order to be prepared for the changes and guide you through the jargon and complexities of Customs processes to ensure you understand what changes are required.

Details of the events are on the British Cambers of Commerce website and are open to members and non-members.

To support business preparations the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, is hosting free webinars to help you check the new rules and understand the actions to take.

See the full schedule and sign up to for live sessions

The live sessions will take place at the following times:

• Metals and other materials – 11am, Tuesday 20 October

• Electronics and machinery – 11am, Wednesday 21 October

• Consumer goods – 11am, Thursday 22 October

• Life Sciences – 11am, Tuesday 27 October

• Construction – 11am, Wednesday 28 October

• Aerospace – 11am, Thursday 29 October

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

Learn more about what you need to do to export animals, fish and high risk foods not of animal origin from 1 January 2021.

Webinars: Helping you prepare businesses for the end of the transition period

BEIS is running a series of webinars for trade associations, business bodies and business advisers to assist them in supporting firms to prepare for the end of the transition period.

Register your interest email [email protected]

NHS COVID-19 App launch

On 24th September 2020 the new NHS COVID-19 app was launched making the Track and trace of customers even easier.

It has become a legal requirement for certain businesses in England and Wales to record the contact details of customers, visitors and staff at their premises. By downloading and displaying the NHS COVID19 App QR code poster, which must be visible on entry to their premises, it will help businesses meet this new legal requirement.

Customers and visitors who have downloaded the app can use their smartphones to easily check-in, this would allow NHS Test and Trace to quickly contact them with public health advice, should there be a COVID-19 outbreak at a business venue.

You can create your downloadable QR code poster using this link:

Create a QR code poster.

For further business information and resources head to:

Covid 19 NHS information and resources.

The Surrey Chambers of Commerce, supported by projectfive and Greatest Hits Radio, are delighted to bring you their Start-Up Academy. By becoming a member of the Academy you can work alongside your peer group and grow your business. By utilising the expertise of the members, they ensure that you will get the best advice and resources needed to develop your business and increase your network.

The Academy will take place once a month from 26th October 2020 – 17th May 2021, when a graduation ceremony will take place.

Key areas of business will be covered in-depth, with an informative talk for the first half of the day, followed by an interactive session in the afternoon.

Running from 10 am - 1.30 pm, you will be offered the chance to work remotely in projective's office space – a great opportunity to continue getting to know your fellow cohort members and expand your network.

Monthly Topics:

26th October 2020: Business Planning/Strategy and setting objectives– Richard Butcher, Stratagems

23rd November 2020: How to make a business successful – Mike Turner, youbecome

7th December 2020: Digital Media & Marketing Strategy – David Evans & Carrie Crosland, Akiko

18th January 2021: Sales & Negotiation – Paul Glynn, Sandler

22nd February 2021: IT & Cyber Crime – Steve Coburn, projectfive

15th March 2021: HR & Compliance – Martine Robins, The HR Dept

19th April: Budgets & Raising Money – Daniel Morgan, Haines Watts Chartered Accountants

17th May 2021: Graduation – Recap of learning, future support options, measure initial objectives.

Event Agenda:

10:00 – Arrival with networking/tea and coffee

10:30 – Headline speaker opens

11:30 – 12:30 – Networking and Lunch

12:30 – 13:30 – Interactive session

13:30 – event close/networking Delegates are welcome to stay on and work from projectfive's offices

For further information on criteria for the event days visit:

Surrey Chambers of Commerce

We will be posting regular updates on our website, as well as sending out our e-newsletter and messages on our Twitter and LinkedIn accounts, please ‘follow’us.