Partner Events
AN INTRODUCTION TO EUROPE - EXPLORE EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES IN EUROPE IN FREE ONLINE EVENT
Europe is our largest trading partner (as of June 2022) according to the ONS. The UK-EU Trade Cooperation Agreement offers now the basis of our new relationship with our European neighbours and covers over £550 billion of trade. Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, it is essential that UK businesses understand the diversity of markets Europe is composed of - and the challenges involved - before making financial or resource commitments.
Sign up for free here.
You can join the UK Export Academy and selecting a session during sign-up. By joining the Academy you will gain access to a calendar of free events that can support you in starting out or growing your exports.
UK EXPORT ACADEMY
As a business already engaged with the Department for International Trade's support, we wanted to alert you to a series of upcoming events, hosted by the UK Export Academy (events now listed are through to March 2023).
Sign up for free and you will have access to a calendar of events to support your export strategy, from the fundamentals of international trade to specific sector masterclasses, we have a session for every step of your export journey.
All you have to do is register for an account and select your preferred sessions. We’re adding new events all the time, so keep checking back to see the latest.
What's the UK Export Academy?
The UK Export Academy is a free training programme for UK businesses looking to grow their international sales. Brought to you by expert speakers, these export workshops are delivered through a hybrid of online and face-to-face learning.
Join hundreds of businesses like yours as we explore the benefits and challenges of trading outside of the UK.
Explore the full events calendar here.
SIGN UP TO INTERNATIONAL TRADE EVENTS IN YOUR LOCAL AREA
Discover events in your area
International Trade Week 2022 will be hosting 30+ in-person events across the UK, with content exploring the unique challenges and growth opportunities for exports from your local area.
Highlights include:
Export Academy LIVE!
Green Trade and Investment Expo
Growing your Agri-Tech Business – Does your business have what it takes to take flight?
Protecting your Brand in Overseas Markets
DIT Education Day
DIT Global Entrepreneur Programme: Inform, Inspire, Connect - Going Global Masterclass
Explore in-person events near you.
Get in-person export support
Ahead of attending events during International Trade Week you can:
Get in-person export support
Get advice from our Export Support Service
Arrange to talk to one of our expert International Trade Advisers (ITAs)
Some events will have ITAs speaking or attending for one-to-one meetings. Check the descriptions for details and how to join.
Find information on exporting opportunities here.
Contact the Export Support Service here.
DIGITAL DRIVE COUNTY DURHAM
Masterclasses, workshops and conferences to drive your business forward digitally.
All Masterclasses can be viewed here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 30th March 2023 (10:00-10:4) - UMi makes it easy . . . to recruit more effectively in 2023
Join UMi on Thursday 30 March, from 10am-10:45am, where you will discover how to take your recruitment to the next level in 2023.
Recruiting the right people is a challenge all businesses face. Candidate availability and a competitive marketplace means that recruiters are looking for more effective and creative ways to stand out beyond the salary offer.
This virtual event is perfect for HR professionals, business owners and line managers and will be hosted by Angela Anderson, Managing Director of Zenith People.
By attending this session, you will gain practical advice to support your recruitment activity in 2023 and create an applicant experience that is simple and engaging.
During the 30-minute presentation, Angela will share:
How to identify challenges within your recruitment process.
Why communication is key and the importance of staying in touch through the recruitment process and beyond.
What employers can do to retain good staff through personal development.
Starting work as an apprentice and then going into recruitment herself, Angela decided to start a business of her own, creating Zenith People in 2001. Zenith Training followed in 2011 and today, Zenith People and Zenith Training have a combined staff of over 40.
Following the session, you will have an opportunity to ask Angela any questions you have about the recruitment activity in your business.
Let UMi take the hard work out of recruiting the right talent for your business, so you can do more and go further.
Register for this FREE event here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 5th April 2023 (10:00-12:00) - How to create engaging content for Social Media (online event)
Presented by Caroline Wilson.
Are you stuck doing the same old and not getting results? Have a refresh, get some motivation and tips with this 2 hour interactive webinar:
Find examples of good content
Discuss what makes good content
Learn about content that creates discussion online
To understand what makes content engaging
How to up level their current content.
Book here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, 18th April 2023 (10:00-12:00) - Canva Masterclass for your Business (online event)
The webinar will cover the basics of Canva and how you can use it effectively for your business.
The webinar will cover the basics of Canva and how you can use it effectively for your business. The benefits of upgrading to Canva pro and all the information you need about the new features and options now available on Canva which can help you present and promote your business.
We will look at:
Using your brand kits to full effect
Designing with and without templates
New features available
All you need to know to make your social media a lot more effective!
Register here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 20th April 2023 (9:00-16:00) - Social Media Seminars for Success - Durham Cricket Ground, Chester-Le-Street, County Durham, DH3 3SH
One Day Workshop - Three Action Packed Sessions! Choose to attend all three, or two, or just one of these seminars with Natalie Eminae. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive day that supercharges your social media, or just to step up in a specific area or two, we can’t wait to see you there.
Session 1 – Building an Effective Organic Social Media Strategy
This interactive session covers everything you need to know to tell your brand story through social media. We’ll be covering how, what, why and when to post across all main social channels.
Time of session: 9:00-11:00
Session 2 – Powering Up with Paid Social
Take your social media to the next level with paid campaigns! This engaging session covers how to find new and existing customers through social media advertising.
Time of session: 11.15-13.15
Session 3 – Understanding Analytics
Evaluate your performance and unlock continuous improvement with this insightful session! We’ll be covering the key social media metrics and best practice benchmarks, making it easy to maximise your results.
Time of session: 14:00-16:00
All sessions are suitable for complete beginners, and those already using social media who would like to maximise their results.
Natalie Eminae Bio
Having founded OCOCO Media in 2012, Natalie Eminae works with clients across a diverse range of industries to deliver successful social media campaigns and effective digital marketing strategies.
She provides specialist social media marketing support to organisations of all sizes and sectors throughout the UK and Europe, and will be sharing her passion, enthusiasm and expertise in the sector.
Book here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 27th April (9:30-16:30)- 7 Marketing Essentials in Times of Change - Glow, 2 Long Tens Way, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6AP
Have your sales slowed down or even stalled? Have you seen a new opportunity to pursue, but don’t know where to start or what kind of marketing approach to take? Then this is the workshop for you!
Have your sales slowed down or even stalled? Have you seen a new opportunity to pursue, but don’t know where to start or what kind of marketing approach to take?
Businesses are being forced to look for new ways of working as customers are changing behaviour and shifting rapidly to digital environments. Severe disruptions are happening with increasing frequency and McKinsey reports that we can expect major incidents every 3.7 years.
At Digital Drive Durham we are working hard behind the scenes to support your business during difficult times and have created our new “7 Marketing Essentials in Times of Change” workshop to help you to:
Get Back to Basics - understand where you are now to get on track ((a) Complete a business audit and benchmark where you are at – can I do more on less? (b) Keep your finger on the pulse with your clients & markets take nothing at face value (c) Now is not the time to race to the bottom line – introduce new features, methods & techniques)
Get Creative - Identify where the biggest opportunities are right now online ((a) Revisit your markets / what’s changed – out with the old and in with the new (b) What are my competitors doing? (c) Do you need to adapt your product and service offer?)
Mine Your Data – Find the Gold / Get clear on what your customers need from you ((a) Look at your client data – does this still apply? (b) Talk to your clients / bought this in the past – would you still buy it, how can we support you? Look back before looking forward. (c) Deep understanding of client needs and behaviours.)
Create authentic connection by honing your core stories. ((a) Realign your marketing messages - sensitive, genuine communications. (b) Right Place: Right Time / powerful offers that sell themselves. (c) Building community and brand loyalty)
Position yourself uniquely to stand out in a crowded market. ((a) Who are customers buying from – who are you and what do you stand for? (b) How your marketing can provide value before a customer makes a purchase
Give your Inner Geek a big hug. ((a) New Tech : New Process | Technology cannot be a barrier to good communication. (b) Remote working - 90% people and behaviours / 10% effective use of technology. (c) Support your people with training and technical assistance so things go right.)
Taking Care of You to Show Up as Your Best Self for Others ((a) Loneliness, overwhelm, stress v. recognition, release, restore (b) Discipline, accountability and asking for help (c) Keep planning simple and sharp.)
Clients and customers do not want to buy from just anyone these days. Instead, they want to know who they are buying from and what they stand for.
We would like to invite you on this workshop “The 7 Marketing Essentials in Times of Change” so you can stand out, be seen and become irresistible to your clients.
Register here.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 11th May 2023 (10:00-12:00 - online event) - DDCD Tik Tok & Instagram for Business
This session will give an intensive crash course on how to improve your organic social media channels and implement a strategy that increases results rather than costs.
This session will give an intensive crash course on how to improve your organic social media channels and implement a strategy that increases results rather than costs.
Bradley will be covering everything from
The basics of Social
How to develop an effective Social Media strategy for Instagram
Content curation and idea generation for TikTok
Best ways to engage/communicate with your customers
Helpful and easy-to-use tools to get the most out of your socials
We will encompass marketing as individuals leveraging personal brands as a tool for growth.
Book here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 18th May 2023 (9:30-16:30) - How to raise your game on LinkedIn and Win New Business - Radisson Blue, Frankland Lane, Durham, DH1 5TA
How much time do you spend on LinkedIn making connections and having conversations that go precisely nowhere?
Time is precious and although you know the power of LinkedIn already, you are still not sure where to start to take your LinkedIn profile and performance from Good to Great.
A really great LinkedIn profile can make all the difference between winning that sale or not and so we’ve created this workshop for you to achieve that.
Norma Foster helps busy professionals like you get inspired and create a LinkedIn profile and approach that delivers results for you.
Norma will be sharing her experiences, tips and tactics on how to:
Raise Your Visibility and Credibility as the Go-To Expert in Your Field
Generate Enough High-Quality Leads
Get Leads to Convert More Quickly
Never Worry About Your Marketing Taking Up Too Much Time
The workshop will help you to:
Create a High Performing LinkedIn Profile
Profile and Target “A-List” Clients with SMARTA tactics
Use important keywords on LinkedIn in the right way
Reach out and connect with prospects so they respond
Build relationships - you're connected . . . now what?
Leverage the hard work you have put into your profile and pages for better results
Secure and give recommendations to build trust and value
Develop high quality content your network wants to read and share
Create content with purpose and ease that wows prospects and clients
Understand what LinkedIn’s algorithms need to boost posts and articles
You will also learn about tools and tactics that will make your time on LinkedIn easier and more productive and how to leverage LinkedIn in international markets.
Norma has been an avid user of LinkedIn since 2006 and has worked with thousands of professionals and businesses to help them use LinkedIn more effectively.
Before the workshop Norma will review your profile to tailor the advice given on the day and provide you with some top tips on how to move it to the next level.
In this interactive, hands on masterclass Norma will help you to upgrade your profile and sharpen up your LinkedIn lead generation.
In addition to the above we will work on how to:
Differentiate Yourself from the Competition and Define Your Niche
Optimise Your Profile for Maximum Visibility in LinkedIn and Search Engines
Increase Quality Connections and Improve Communication
Use Advanced Search Techniques to Tap Into a Regular Supply of Leads
Post Regular and Popular Content to Increase Your Reach and Reputation
Book here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 24th May 2023 (9:30-16:30) - Getting Results From Your Video Marketing - Durham Cricket Club, Cricket Ground, 3QR, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3QR
Join Issy, Head of Production at Howell Film and video marketing expert, and learn about how you can build a video marketing strategy for your business that gets results.
Join Issy, Head of Production at Howell Film and video marketing expert, and learn about how you can build a video marketing strategy for your business that gets results. This workshop will cover the importance of video in your business, how to utilise video across all social media platforms and how to make your own content that stands out and reaps rewards! Using her experience as a professional video editor, Issy will give you plenty of useful little content creation tips that have a big professional impact. You’ll get to apply your new skills during the day and get a head start when it comes to making creative, exciting content!
Book here
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 31st May 2023 (online event - 13:00-15:00) - SEO Basics – Your journey into SEO for your business. Presented by Chris Ogel.
This two hour webinar will cover the basics for setting you off on your growth for SEO visibility.
The two hour webinar will cover the basics for setting you off on your growth for SEO visibility. SEO is not 1 job. It's the online representation of you as a brand, what you believe in, what makes you an expert at what you do and the storytelling of the whole story.
During the webinar our presenter Chris Ogle from Mira Marketing will cover:
What SEO is, and what SEO isn't.
The neglected freebie - Google My Business
The sitemap - The bit Google reads to understand your site.
Getting to grips with Search Console - Manage your site traffic.
How reviews impact search visibility and how to manage.
Keyword research -Taking the guesswork out of writing.
Backlinks. The search engine popularity contest.
Schema - Pulling, reviews, stock, pricing and more to the search results.
Measuring results the smart way. Looking at relevant traffic, not total traffic.
Book here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Digital Drive County Durham, UMi Commercial Limited, Spectrum 6, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7TT
Telephone: 0191 716 0960
If you have any questions about these events, you can also contact us at digitaldrivedurham@weareumi.co.uk.
UMi - MEET THE TEAM
Growing a business isn’t always easy, it often needs more than a smart strategy.
That's why we've added a range of specialist advisers to UMi Sat Nav to help you achieve your growth ambitions with personalised and actionable support.
If you are looking to generate real growth, why not get in touch with my colleague and Growth Consultant, Dave Jones.
With a wide breadth of experience supporting businesses combined with running his own, he has a particular passion for business finance, process improvement & project planning.
Speak to Dave and he'll offer you specialist one-to-one support with how to:
Refresh & evolve your business plan
Improve your sales & marketing techniques
Retain & attract a talented team
Build resilience in your supply chain
Book your free 30-minute consultation with Dave Jones now for straight talking advice on how to grow your business.
DURHAM AMBITIOUS BUSINESS START-UPS (DABS)
Create your DABS Programme account here.
Please note that the DABS programme ends on the 31st January 2023. You are still welcome to apply however the level of mentoring and events that is available may be reduced.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 20th April 2023 (10:00-16:00) - Business & Financial Planning Workshop (Hosted live online Via Zoom)
An overview on business planning, sales forecasting, cashflow planning, what you need to think about and detail to include when developing your business plan and financial forecasting.
You may not have started a formal business plan or cashflow and want to know where to start, or you could be underway developing your plan and have questions you would like answering.
Templates can be provided and this is a safe space where you can talk about your plans, finances, sales forecasting and more importantly how this will impact your business. If you want us to review your plan and forecasts and offer support with where it can be improved or help you get started then please come along.
Book here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 21st April 2023 (10:00-16:00) - Marketing & Social Media Workshop (Hosted live online via zoom)
Marketing can be a daunting place for some, for others it feels easy and natural. In either case we are here to help and support you. If you want to look at your strategy for how to get the most out of your marketing budget, then come along to find out more.
This session will help you identify the right medium for your business and the most effective ways to use it. Tik-Tok, Instagram, Clubhouse, Snapchat, Facebook, LinkedIn Twitter . . . so many to choose from but . . . which is best? Which is right for you? Confused with where to start? Come along with us as we explore the good the bad and the ugly of the socials. We will help you explore your business options and put a plan in place for which you should focus on and why.
Register now.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, 18th May 2023 (9:30-16:30) - How to raise your game on LinkedIn and Win New Business. Venue: Radisson Blu, Frankland Lane, Durham, DH1 5TA
How much time do you spend on LinkedIn making connections and having conversations that go precisely nowhere?
Time is precious and although you know the power of LinkedIn already, you are still not sure where to start to take your LinkedIn profile and performance from Good to Great.
A really great LinkedIn profile can make all the difference between winning that sale or not and so we’ve created this workshop for you to achieve that.
Norma Foster helps busy professionals like you get inspired and create a LinkedIn profile and approach that delivers results for you.
Norma will be sharing her experiences, tips and tactics on how to:
Raise Your Visibility and Credibility as the Go-To Expert in Your Field
Generate Enough High-Quality Leads
Get Leads to Convert More Quickly
Never Worry About Your Marketing Taking Up Too Much Time
The workshop will help you to:
Create a High Performing LinkedIn Profile
Profile and Target “A-List” Clients with SMARTA tactics
Use important keywords on LinkedIn in the right way
Reach out and connect with prospects so they respond
Build relationships - you're connected . . . now what?
Leverage the hard work you have put into your profile and pages for better results
Secure and give recommendations to build trust and value
Develop high quality content your network wants to read and share
Create content with purpose and ease that wows prospects and clients
Understand what LinkedIn’s algorithms need to boost posts and articles
You will also learn about tools and tactics that will make your time on LinkedIn easier and more productive and how to leverage LinkedIn in international markets.
Norma has been an avid user of LinkedIn since 2006 and has worked with thousands of professionals and businesses to help them use LinkedIn more effectively.
Before the workshop Norma will review your profile to tailor the advice given on the day and provide you with some top tips on how to move it to the next level.
In this interactive, hands on masterclass Norma will help you to upgrade your profile and sharpen up your LinkedIn lead generation.
In addition to the above we will work on how to:
Differentiate Yourself from the Competition and Define Your Niche
Optimise Your Profile for Maximum Visibility in LinkedIn and Search Engines
Increase Quality Connections and Improve Communication
Use Advanced Search Techniques to Tap Into a Regular Supply of Leads
Post Regular and Popular Content to Increase Your Reach and Reputation
Register here.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, 31st May 2023 (13:00-15:00) - SEO Basics – Your journey into SEO for your business. Online event.
The two hour webinar will cover the basics for setting you off on your growth for SEO visibility. SEO is not 1 job. It's the online representation of you as a brand, what you believe in, what makes you an expert at what you do and the storytelling of the whole story.
During the webinar our presenter Chris Ogle from Mira Marketing will cover:
What SEO is, and what SEO isn't.
The neglected freebie - Google My Business
The sitemap - The bit Google reads to understand your site.
Getting to grips with Search Console - Manage your site traffic.
How reviews impact search visibility and how to manage.
Keyword research -Taking the guesswork out of writing.
Backlinks. The search engine popularity contest.
Schema - Pulling, reviews, stock, pricing and more to the search results.
Measuring results the smart way. Looking at relevant traffic, not total traffic.
Register here.
BITESIZE BUSINESS COUNTY DURHAM
The North East Business Support Fund provides funding for one person from an eligible businesses to attend these Masterclasses. Please do not send more than one application per company for any Masterclass session.
To be eligible for Masterclasses on this application form, your business must meet all of the following criteria:
The business must be trading
The business must be an SME
The business must be based in County Durham
Your application for the workshops requires some basic financial information about your business as well as details of previous grant funding.
Please check that you have the required information to hand before you begin and if not, please return to the home page and come back to the form when you have gathered the information you need.
Your application form cannot be saved, once you have started to complete the form, please do not navigate away from the page, other than by clicking the ‘Submit Application’ button below.
Which Bitesize Business sessions are you interested in?
Your Sales Toolbox - 21st March - (09:30-12:30)
Visit the application form here. Please read the instructions very carefully and collect together the appropriate material in order to complete the application form.
NBSL - MINIMUM PROJECT VALUE REDUCED - INNOVATION GRANT UPDATE
Grant support now available for smaller innovation projects
Funding deadline
This grant programme is due to end on the 30th of April 2023. If your application is approved and you are offered a funding contract, you must be able to complete your project, pay your supplier/provider in full and claim your grant before this date.
With challenging times faced by us all and economic conditions starting to bite, investment in innovation may be starting to slip down the list of priorities.
To help ensure businesses continue to invest in simple techniques that could support innovation during these challenging economic times, the North of Tyne Innovation Recovery Grant has now reduced its MINIMUM project spend for equipment to £5,000 and minimum spend on innovation projects using external expertise now at £8,000.
Funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, these changes have been made to encourage and maintain investment demonstrating the region’s commitment to support organisations that are keen to invest in innovation ensuring easier access for more businesses.
This Grant programme takes a broad view of Innovation focusing on projects that are new-to-company as well as those that are new-to-market and could provide up to 50% grant funding on eligible projects.
Equipment Grants - minimum project spend now £5,000
Examples of new-to-company equipment purchases where a grant may be awarded include:
New IT equipment to help the business adapt to new working practices (e.g. POS equipment)
Production machinery to enable a new product to be brought to market
Software purchases to help the business work more efficiently
CRM purchases to enable the business to operate more efficiently
External Expertise Grants - minimum project spend now £8,000
Grant Funds are also currently available to pay for external expertise to help introduce new-to-company technologies or processes and/or develop or launch new-to-market products or services.
Examples of projects include:
Develop new work practices and processes to help the business operate more efficiently
Process improvement, change management or quality management system development
Product development – Consultancy or Design support to launch new/improved products
Marketing Strategy Consultancy or website development to bring a new product or service to market (replacement or upgrade websites cannot be funded)
Please note: the programme cannot fund business as usual costs or the replacement/upgrade of existing equipment - full eligibility criteria can be found by clicking here - and we cannot provide additional funding to businesses who have already accessed support from the NTIRG programme in the past 18 months.
Our application process is simple, quick and straight-forward and if you have a project in mind but aren’t sure whether it would be eligible for a grant, we can help talk you through your ideas.
Full details of the North of Tyne Innovation Recovery Grant, including the Application Form download, are available on the dedicated fund website by clicking here (North of Tyne - Innovation Recovery Grant).
ACT NOW TO SECURE GRANT FUNDING!
Businesses urged to Act Now to claim vital grant funding
Only a few months remain for firms to utilise the North East Business Support Fund.
Businesses are being urged to submit growth-based grant applications, as the deadline for a much-used fund approaches.
For over a decade, the North East Business Support Fund has provided a protective shield for business owners, helping SMEs de-risk investment in growth.
The fund’s success has been staggering, supporting nearly 5,000 SME businesses with over £9.1m in grants distributed across the region.
Grants are still available – subject to eligibility criteria - but only if businesses ACT NOW as Fund deadlines now loom – scheduled to finish in March 2023. Focus remains on supporting the B2B sector however growth is also important to demonstrate to increase application success.
The programme will continue to offer grants for business improvement projects that use External Expertise and the financial support will remain the same:
County Durham businesses can access up to 40% of Grant Funding for projects costing between £2,500 and £8,000 with Northumberland and Tyne & Wear businesses accessing up to 35% funding for projects costing between £3,000 and £8,000.
Please note that this Fund continues to be an extension to the North East Business Support Fund and therefore are unable to provide funding to businesses who have already accessed support from the programme - this includes:
Businesses who have received a Grant from the North East Business Support Fund since February 2018.
Businesses in Northumberland or Tyne and Wear who have received a Covid Response (SME restart and Recovery / Kick-starting Tourism) Grant.
NBSL business support manager, John King, said: “The success of the North East Business Support Fund has been incredible and we are working hard to maximise the opportunity this grant offers to SMES across the region. This tranche of funding must be allocated before the end of March 2023 and we want to see every penny spent on helping our regional business community evolve.
“NBSL prides itself in taking the hassle out of grant applications and are proud to be an ally to the North East’s plethora of exciting SMEs, champing at the bit to realise their potential.”
To ACT NOW and take advantage of the final months of the North East Business Support Fund, visit the fund website here or contact the experienced grant management team at NBSL on 01670 813 322 or contact us at info@nbsl.org.uk.
UMi - MAKE BETTER BUSINESS DECISIONS, MORE QUICKLY
DIGITAL DRIVE COUNTY DURHAM
BE PART OF THE ACTION!
Discover the opportunities big sporting events can bring to your business
The Department for International Trade (DIT) is excited to be a partner in this year’s Rugby League World Cup. You can be part of the action and get inspired as the women, men and wheelchair tournaments get underway throughout October and November.
Major sporting tournaments like the Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) bring great international opportunities for UK businesses. So, DIT is thrilled to be partnering with this tournament and launching a programme of events that coincide with the three competitions. We have been inspired by dedication, motivation and drive of the teams participating in the women’s, wheelchair and men’s tournaments, and recognise those attributes can help UK businesses to build a global business and accelerate sales growth.
With the majority of fixtures being hosted in Northern towns and cities, we will be welcoming nations from across the globe, many of which have strong historical ties with the UK. As we continue to pave our way as an independent nation through negotiating Free Trade Agreement, we are pleased to bring this global competition to your doorstep and provide you with opportunity to take advantage of the heightened exposure of the North.
Our programme of events will highlight opportunities in international markets and sporting events, inspire female business owners and drive innovation in sports technology, whether you are a small or large enterprise, we will have something for you.
For further information, please click here.
UMi ONLINE EVENTS - WEBINAR SERIES - COST OF TRADING CRISIS
Taking smart, decisive action is your best route through the #CostOfTradingCrisis.
Since our survey a few weeks ago, we've been designing support specific to the challenges you've told us you're facing.
So, starting next week alongside our partners, we’re launching a FREE SIX-WEEK WEBINAR SERIES to help you:
Build Business Resilience
Stress Test Your Performance
Reduce Your Trading Costs
Minimise Energy Consumption
Maximise Your Income
Prepare Continuity Plans
Negotiate Better Deals
Retain Your Talent
Anticipate Business Recovery
Sign up and select which of the webinars you would like to attend. Full details of the online events and how to book, can be found here.
Don’t worry if you can’t attend live. Register and we'll send you the recordings.
To speak to us about these events or a specific challenge, give us a call (0330 1247 305), email us (letstalk@weareumi.co.uk) or book an appointment.
EXPORT ACADEMY MASTERCLASS: INTRODUCTION TO UK FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
Taking Place Twice a Month until February 2023
Following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, H.M. Government is committed to secure free trade agreements (FTAs) with countries covering 80% of UK trade within 3 years. This event aims to provide you with an overview of the key features and benefits these agreements offer.
Sign up here.
DIASPORA GLOBAL FESTIVAL - EXPORT PATHWAY PROGRAMME WORKSHOPS
DATES: February to April 2023
Fresh off the back of the Diaspora Global Festival launch event in Newcastle, the Department of International Trade (DIT) North East is inviting Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Business Owners to access follow on support through our series of Export Pathway Programme Workshops.
Ethnic minority entrepreneurs are major contributors to the UK’s economy generating £25bn annually. The Department for International Trade has a track record of successfully supporting businesses. This event marks the launch of our Diaspora Global Festival programme of activities, dedicated to recognising and supporting ethnic minority business owners in order to open up opportunities for scaling up business growth through exporting.
The Pathway Programme is designed to address the underrepresentation of Ethnic Minority Business Owners as users of business support services. The programme is designed to reduce barriers and open access to support by offering tailored and accessible 'pathways' to improve the accessibility of the DIT’s support services. We also aim to signpost business owners to other business support services that can provide additional support to support capacity building to enable businesses to succeed.
Expressions of interest are now open for the pathway workshops, aimed at the following business communities:
Black Business Owners - February
Ethnic Minority Women Business Owners - March
Asian Business Owners - April
Register your interest now to receive further updates on the programme and to secure your place!
GOING GLOBAL LIVE 2023 - NOVEMBER 2023
Learn new ways to grow your business internationally at Going Global Live 2023.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is excited to announce its partnership with Going Global Live, returning at the ExCeL London on the 22nd & 23rd November 2023.
Going Global Live is the one stop shop for all businesses looking to expand internationally and kick-start trade overseas, providing guidance for crucial elements such as legislation, payroll, documentation, importing and exporting, staffing, taxation and navigating the business world in a foreign language.
Over the two days, the show offers seminars and panel debates from industry experts, insights and information from renowned suppliers, face-to-face networking opportunities, and more.
Register below to exhibit your business.
Key benefits from exhibiting at Going Global Live:
Vast networking opportunities with potential investors and franchisees
Increased visibility for your business within the market
Multi-channel exposure for your brand
Opportunity to collect high quality leads and generate sales
Meet over 6,000 business owners and senior decision makers who are searching for innovative products/services to take their business to new markets
Register here.
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE: MEET WITH OVERSEAS STAFF IN THE UK
Department for Business and Trade (DBT) invites you to join us in Newcastle or Manchester, on 30th March to meet our overseas market advisors who are visiting the UK from countries in the Asia Pacific region. This is a chance to have free one to one, in person discussions with our advisers, meetings need to be pre-booked, details attached and below.
Newcastle to meet advisers from Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand - Click here for further information and to book your place. Location: The County Hotel, Neville Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5DF. Time: 09:30-15:00.
Manchester to meet advisers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam - Click here for further information and to book your place. Location: Holiday Inn Manchester City Centre, 25 Aytoun Street, Manchester, M1 3DT. Time: 09:30-17:00.
PITCH YOUR STARTUP TO INVESTORS AT THE INVEST IN AFRICA SUMMIT 2023
Are you a startup in Africa looking to gain access to markets and investment? We have some exciting news for you!
Invest in Africa Summit 2023 is inviting startups and innovation hubs to participate in the Deal Room during the summit in May 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Invest in Africa Summit 2023 is a business conference and exhibition designed specifically to promote and facilitate investment and trade between Africa and Europe.
Themed “Unlocking Digital Transformation, Trade & Investment Opportunities in Africa", the summit seeks to facilitate businesses to access markets and financing.
The summit will take place on 16th and 17th May 2023 at the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Amsterdam and hopes to gather 600-plus key economic players such as government delegations and policy makers, high-profile African leaders, project developers, founders investors, and entrepreneurs.
Invest in Africa Summit in partnership with GetEquity will set up a 'Deal Room' that will be host to a range of selected start-ups and innovation hubs, to pitch their businesses to investors from across Europe and beyond. This deal room will enable all investors to view key information about the businesses with the possibility of investing immediately if they so choose.
We are looking for start-ups and hubs that are at the early-stage, growth stage or scaling stage to pitch their businesses in the summit. A two stage screening process will be undertaken to select 20 startups and 5 hubs to compete across the following economic sectors:
Agribusiness
Digital Technology
Healthcare
Telecommunications
Fintech
Logistics
Tourism
Climate resilience
We encourage start-ups to sign up for the challenge using this link.
Learn more about Invest in Africa Summit 2023, and register to be a part of it. Click here.
LAUNCH OF TRADE AGREEMENT UTILISATION PAGE
The UK has signed over 70 trade agreements, the benefits of most of which can be enjoyed right now. Each agreement is designed to make it easier for you to sell goods or services internationally.
A new Trade Agreement Utilisation page on great.gov.uk was launched in November. If your business sells, buys, uses, supplies, or receives goods or services from other countries, then you can benefit from using a trade agreement. If you don’t already trade with other countries, trade agreements can make it easier for you to start.
You can use this new page to find out more about trade agreements, how to use them, and why they will benefit your business.
THE SECOND ISSUE OF HORIZON - NORTH EAST IS NOW AVAILABLE!
The new quarterly international trade magazine - Horizon, was launched earlier in 2022 in the North East region. Horizon aims to help exporters and importers by providing them with insight, guidance and support through articles from international trade specialists, supply chains, and regional support organisations.
FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS - WE'D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
North East Traders and Free Trade Agreements
As a key part of the UK's future trade strategy, the Department for International Trade (DIT) aims to ensure that business awareness of the UK's new and upcoming Free Trade Agreements is as high as possible. This short survey will help guide the Department's understanding and future work on Free Trade Agreements.
Eligible businesses who respond to the survey will have the opportunity to receive FREE follow up advice and support. A member of our Free Trade Agreements team will arrange a 30 minute call to discuss how FTAs may affect your businesses exporting processes.
NORTH EAST BUSINESS SUPPORT FUND - GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
After three years and supporting over 1,340 businesses, applications to the North East Business Support Fund in County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne & Wear have now closed.
The funding has been incredibly successful and we're hoping to have news about new grant funding programmes in the very near future - keep an eye out for our newsletters over the coming months and you'll be the first to hear about any grant funding programmes that could help to support your business.
If you've got any questions about this, you can email info@nbsl.org.uk and one of our team will get back to you.
KARBON HOMES - SILVERTALK
Did you know that around half a million older people in the UK go at least five or six days without seeing or speaking to anyone at all?
The team at Silver Talk want to change this. But to do it, they need your help!
They’re on the lookout for new friends on the phone volunteers to join the team and help bring companionship and a listening ear to one of their service users, through a 30-minute social telephone chat once a week.
For as little as 45 minutes a week, you could really change someone’s life.
You will be provided with a mobile phone to make the calls.
Full training is given to make sure you’re confident dealing with any situation that may arise.
Karbon will cover the cost of a DBS check which can come in useful in other areas of life.
Interested? You can apply here, where you can also find a full volunteer role description.
Alternatively, you can reach the team either by email silvertalk@karbonhomes.co.uk or by calling 0191 223 8662.
DIGITAL DRIVE COUNTY DURHAM
Digital Drive Grant Funding
Funding is up to 40% contribution.
Minimum spend is £2,500 excl. VAT.
We have no maximum project cap, however the maximum grant we could award would be £9,999.
Funding can be used for the following:
Digital consultancy: this can be any ‘one-off’ outside expertise relating to digital technology e.g. social media strategy, internet telephony, integration of systems, automation of back office systems, search engine optimisation etc.
Digital Equipment: Must be new to the business and help improve your own use of digital technology e.g. for remote working, increase efficiency, entering new markets/diversifying services etc. We cannot fund basic office kit out, or buying more of the same item (e.g. for a new member of staff).
Website/software/apps: Building a website for those who don’t have one, adding new functionality, e-commerce (maintenance, basic design improvements, hosting and ongoing costs are ineligible). Software must be a one-off purchase to be eligible/owned outright by the business. We are unable to pay for ongoing subscriptions or yearly licences.
Broadband installation and equipment/improvements (excludes monthly subscriptions, building work/street works).
Anyone wishing to make an application needs to register their interest here.
If they are already registered, they can just email or contact Lee Wilson on 0191 716 0960 or email: lee.wilson@weareumi.co.uk.
APPLY FOR A DURHAM BUSINESS RECOVERY GRANT
The Durham Business Recovery Grant is a £5million fund to help County Durham businesses to recover from the effects of Covid-19.
Who can apply for a Durham Business Recovery Grant
Eligible businesses are those businesses able to demonstrate that they:
have a significant operational base, but less than 250 employees in County Durham
were established before 11 March 2020
are set up for profit and registered to pay tax on profit (in any format, eg sole trader, limited company)
use a business bank account (separating personal and business finance)
can demonstrate a significant adverse impact from Covid-19
can demonstrate solvency
can outline a credible and costed recovery plan
can fund their share of the recovery plan
Social enterprises (for example, community interest companies) are eligible provided they meet the above and can demonstrate that they generate 51% or more of their sales from commercial activity (excluding income from donations, grants and contracts not won through a competitive process).
Who cannot apply for a Durham Business Recovery Grant
The following are not eligible to apply for a Durham Business Recovery Grant:
registered charities
organisations set up to provide:
local social welfare and community facilities, for example hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, fire stations, child-minding facilities, sports clubs and societies, parks, public libraries
housing rental as part of an investment portfolio
public services or activities to supplement public services, for example social housing or school age education.
businesses whose activities may bring the council's name or reputation into disrepute
If you're not eligible, North East Growth Hub's list of finance and funding provides a list of grants available, or see Business Durham Covid-19 business support brochure.
How to apply
Before you apply for a Durham Business Recovery Grant, please read the essential information - Durham Business Recovery Grant - essential information to help you prepare your application. The quality of your application will reflect the decision turnaround time of the application process.
IS YOUR BUSINESS ELIGIBLE FOR COMMUNITY LED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT (CLLD) FUNDING?
CLLD uses structural funds from Europe to provide support to projects which will increase employment and skills and social enterprise. There are two programmes operating within specific areas of County Durham. Click the links below to find out more.
North Durham CLLD covers areas Chester-le-Street, Pelton Fell, Whitehills and Pelton, Sacriston, South Stanley, Craghead around the outskirts of Annfield Plain and Harelaw. Current calls are:
North ESF - open call
North ERDF non-capital - open call (with extended delivery time to December 2022)
North ERDF capital - currently closed
South Durham CLLD covers Bishop Auckland, Coundon, Leeholme, Shildon, Spennymoor, St Helen Auckland and West Auckland
South ERDF non-capital call - now open and delivery time has been extended until Dec 2022
South ESF - currently closed.
DIT SUPPORT FOR TRADE SHOWS - EXHIBITING OR VISITING
There is updated funding & support from DIT available for exhibiting or visiting selected Trade Shows, this is separate, and in addition to the current grant funding we have available.
Attached is a presentation for your information (DIT UK Tradeshow Programme Promotional Toolkit).
Also attached is a spreadsheet of events, these could change, so there is also an online version which can be found here (UK Tradeshow Programme supported events - July 2022 to March 2023).
To find out more, check eligibility and make an application, please visit here.
For further enquiries, the DIT trade show team can be contacted via enquiries.uktradeshowprogramme@trade.gov.uk.
DIT EXPORTING OPPORTUNITIES & SUPPORT - EVENTS, DDP, HMRC, RULES OF ORIGIN, GRANTS
B2C E-Commerce: Global Fast Track Programme (16/02/2021 - 08/04/2021). DIT North East are offering a fully funded in-depth virtual training programme, delivered by e-Commerce and digital specialists, and designed to help you fast track your international growth. This programme aims to help you assess each area of your business performance and create an action plan for 2021 and beyond. The introductory webinar will be followed by a seven-week programme, click here for further information.
DIT North East would like your input in shaping our 2021/22 virtual events and webinar programme. We’re asking North East businesses which topics they feel would be most beneficial to maximise export potential. Have your say with our short survey here.
Royal Mail are designing a “Delivered Duties Paid” (DDP) service that takes care of VAT and customs duties for EU buyers prior to delivery, this fulfilment solution means you don’t need to register in each EU country to be able to sell goods including all duties, ideal for shopify or ecommerce sellers, potentially launching Feb/March, find our more by clicking here here (this link also has a good explanation of the current VAT process and changes due in July).
HMRC are running Exporting Webinars. The webinar 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, key export processes, border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates and authorisations that you’ll need. Please click here for further details an to reserve your place.
Rules of Origin: Check your goods comply to trade tariff-free with the EU. Many of the queries we are getting at DIT are about the new Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU which includes important changes for Rules of Origin. Put simply, this is where a product was manufactured and determines the “economic nationality” of goods (think of it as a birth certificate for the goods). You can trade with the EU without paying tariffs, but only if a product meets the relevant rules. Check for details on how to claim preferential (zero) tariffs, and see the documentation you’ll need to complete. Also, read the full guidance on meeting Rules of Origin when trading with the EU.
DIT Internationalisation Fund – Grants up to £9k per business - Available now until early 2023 - 50% to 60% grants to be used for exporting advice from third party private sector experts /consultants to help prepare for international trade, which may include: market research, market selection and entry advice, advice on Intellectual Property Rights, cross cultural negotiation support and standards, translation and cultural advice, international trade legal advice, PR support, international social media and search engine optimisation, international marketing, routes to market/agency advice, overseas business environment, and due diligence. Participation in Trade Fairs, Trade Missions and independent market development visits etc. The application process is a discussion about proposed activities, then if suitable an export action plan is completed, then an online application link, it is then assessed and administered by a third party organisation on behalf of DIT. Only one application can be submitted, but can include multiple activities.
Social Media – A big thank you to Paul for supplying us with this very useful information. You can reach Paul on his LinkedIn page and/or his Twitter feed - he regularly post updates on DIT opportunities, exporting issues and support from other business organisations across the North East.
Further national and local DIT events can be found here.
NBSL: FUNDING AND SUPPORT TO REDUCE BUSINESS COSTS
Growth plans on hold due to spiralling business costs?
With all manner of operating costs on the rise, it’s crucial that businesses use any opportunity to maintain efficiency and ensure growth plans remain on track.
If you're investing in new processes, products or technology, take a look at just some of the ways we can support you.
North East Business Support Fund
Operating across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and Durham, this Fund can help towards the cost of projects that help improve efficiency or growth.
We’re encouraging SMEs to apply without delay as the Fund enters its final year of operation. Grants can be used towards the cost of a project that brings in any external expertise to help move the business forward - from marketing and web design specialists to financial or human resource consultants.
County Durham businesses can access up to 40% of Grant Funding for projects costing between £2,500 and £8,000 with Northumberland and Tyne & Wear businesses accessing up to 35% funding for projects costing between £3,000 and £8,000.
Funding will be proactively targeted at Business-to-Business organisations in the remaining months of the programme. Due to a limit on the number of Business-to-Consumer organisations that can be assisted and the high level of recent demand, only the strongest Business-to-Consumer applications will receive support. It may be also worth noting that this is an extension to the current Fund and therefore we may be unable to provide funding if you have received a North East Business Support Fund grant since February 2018. Visit the dedicated NBSF grant website here.
North Of Tyne Innovation Recovery Grant
With a 50% grant available, this Fund can support eligible projects costing between £10,000 and £20,000 (excluding VAT), meaning a grant of between £5,000 and £10,000 is available to eligible SMEs and social enterprises across Northumberland, Newcastle Upon Tyne and North Tyneside.
To be eligible for funding your project needs to be 'innovative' - all that means is that it’s changing something for the better in your business - it could be a new product, an improved service, or a new way of working, it just needs to be something you’ve never done before.
Perhaps you’re looking at new IT systems and software to improve efficiency or thinking about working with a marketing consultant to launch a new product? Maybe you're buying new equipment to automate a manual process, move into a new market or manufacture a new product. These and hundreds of other projects could be eligible for funding.
If you’re a business that regularly evaluates the value you deliver and are thinking of a project that will improve what you do - then you’re being innovative and we may be able to help with this grant. Visit the Innovation Funding website here.
Control costs through your carbon footprint
How do we reduce costs, save money and protect the environment is the first question posed at our most recent skills programme now available: ToNetZero.
Funded through the North of Tyne Combined Authority, this jargon-busting programme is a new skills programme helping you recognise the impact you could have on your carbon emissions and how you can develop your skills to spot ways of making changes with the potential to save costs.
Providing you with skills to design and implement your own plans, we’ve also lined up specialist speakers to inspire and encourage your ideas.
The programme is a flexible, fully funded skills programme supporting micro/SMEs and key staff over the age of 19 living in the North of Tyne and aims to develop your understanding, knowledge and skills through interactive, online workshops with each participant receiving eight hours of 1-2-1 support to help implement their own development plan for the business. Find out more about ToNetZero here.
Building resilience thanks to NEBSF grant
With 2022 starting strongly, business resilience and operational efficiencies have become business critical to most businesses at the moment.
Thanks to the support of the North East Business Support Fund, NECS have been able to bring in external expert, Absolute Quality Consultancy & Training Ltd (AQCT) to support the development of a Business Resilience Strategy.
With AQCT’s support, Gary accessed grant support from business support agency NBSL via the North East Business Support Fund - which is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Northern Powerhouse. “It was stress-free to apply for the grant,” says Gary. “NBSL led me through the simple application process, it was very straight forward and the team came back with a decision to approve the grant within days.”
“The support received from the North East Business Support Fund and NBSL has been excellent and the grant has empowered our team to turn adversity into opportunity - identifying and unlocking new possibilities and would recommend any business use this Fund to help build company resilience.”
Read the full NECS grant journey here and see if we could help your business build resilience for the future.
The North East Business Support Fund (NEBSF) is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund and Northern Powerhouse as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.
The project is delivered by NBSL.
IMPORT EXPORT VAT CHANGES FROM 1st JULY & IOSS DDP SERVICES
Please see the guide from Royal Mail explaining the new “IOSS” (Import One Stop Shop) for any sales into EU which has come into effect this week (from 1st July).
Removal of current VAT exception on low value parcels under 22EUR (now zero exceptions)
Introduction of Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) services
New rules regarding VAT from 1st July
See attached pdf for much more in depth information. If you use couriers such as UPS or DPD check directly with them to see if they offer a suitable DDP service.
Also, see this link to watch on demand webinar on IOSS and VAT from Avalara.
DIT UPCOMING WEBINARS
All the webinars are free to UK companies.
You can expect to:
receive help and advice to sell overseas with confidence
gain new skills and knowledge
discover solutions to specific challenges to exporting
get your exporting questions answered by the experts
How long are the webinars?
Our experts usually present for 25 minutes and allow 35 minutes for answering your questions and helping you find solutions to any barriers you may face.
Look through the list to find the webinars you would like to attend.
Each link will connect you to a webinar registration form so you can receive your unique link to join the upcoming webinar.
IMPORTANT TRADE UPDATE- UKCA DELAY / ASIA SUPPORT / IMPORT CHANGES
UKCA MARKING DELAYED - Requirement to adopt UKCA mark (rather than CE Mark) postponed by a year following industry pressure. Click here to read more.
IMPORT CHANGES - Importing from the EU is changing, there are various stages between now and March, please read more here.
We haven’t reinstated in person meetings, and don’t expect to any time soon. If you would like to discuss anything related to exporting then please continue to contact Paul Sparks, many thanks.
DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE (DIT) - BE MORE DIGITAL
Join the Department for International Trade North East for a six-week online training programme, designed to give you the knowledge and skills to transform your business’s international digital strategy.
This is a free self-service programme with mentor support throughout from a digital specialist, who will tailor the advice and support provided to your business needs and discuss how to move your business forward.
What’s involved?
Introductory one-to-one appointment with a digital specialist.
Three weeks to complete the first three online training modules and handouts.
Follow up one-to-one appointment with the specialist.
Three weeks to complete the final three online modules and handouts.
Final one-to-one appointment with the specialist.
The modules:
Introduction to the Programme
Strategy and How to Create a Digital Footprint
International Website Optimisation for B2B Companies
Capturing International Audience with Social Content
LinkedIn – Creating International Business Opportunities
Pitching and Negotiating Online
Contact Details: Department for International Trade North East - northeast@mobile.trade.gov.uk
Website URL here.
Social Media URL's:
Twitter: @tradegovuk_NE
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3965484/
DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE (DIT) - NORTH EAST'S GLOBAL FAST TRACK PROGRAMME
Join the Department for International Trade (DIT) North East’s Global Fast Track programme for a six-week online training programme developed specialists. This programme aims to help you assess each area of your business performance to create an action plan.
This is a free self-service programme with mentor support throughout from an e-Commerce specialist to discuss advice and support available provided for your business needs and how to implement them going forward.
What’s involved?
Introductory one-to-one appointment with an e-Commerce specialist.
Three weeks to complete the first three online training modules and handouts.
Follow up one-to-one appointment with the e-Commerce specialist.
Three weeks to complete the final three online training modules and handouts.
Final one-to-one appointment with the e-Commerce specialist.
The modules:
Introduction to the Programme
Re-defining your e-Commerce Strategy in 2021 and Beyond
Optimising your Site for International Audiences
Generating Leads: Social Media Marketing
Logistics and Fulfilment
Pricing Strategy
Contact Details - Department for International Trade North East - northeast@mobile.trade.gov.uk
Website link here.
Social Media URL's:
Twitter: @tradegovuk_NE
LinkedIn link here.
DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE (DIT) - WHAT IS THE EXPORT ACADEMY?
The Export Academy from the Department for International Trade will help you grow your business by showing you how to sell to new customers around the world.
The course is free, and you’ll learn directly from experts in international trade who provide support across a range of sectors and businesses, from selling children’s clothes to Spain, to providing PR services for clients in the US.
The programme is designed for owners and senior managers of businesses looking to grow internationally and located in the Midlands, North, South West, or East of England.
What does the programme include?
You will graduate from the programme with a completed export action plan, enabling you to take your business direct to international customers. This plan will be the culmination of everything you have learnt on the programme, from online events including:
Webinars
Round tables
Mentoring sessions
Contact Details - Department for International Trade North East - northeast@tradene.org
Website URL here.
Social Media URL's
Twitter: @tradegovuk_NE
LinkedIn link here.
DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE (DIT) - NEW TRADING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE IRISH MARKET
The Department for International Trade and British Irish Chamber of Commerce are inviting businesses to join an interactive webinar, exploring new trading opportunities in the Irish Market.
Geographical proximity, common language, close cultural and economic links, and numerous transport connections by sea and air, make Ireland an ideal target market for first time UK exporters. This webinar will highlight the attractiveness of the Irish market for new exporters and discuss the post-Brexit dynamics for doing business with Irish customers.
Why Join?
Discover opportunities in the market
Find out how to formulate a successful market entry strategy
Learn about the barriers and common pitfalls facing new exporters
Hear advice from experienced exporters
Who’s it for? Ireland is a good place for businesses to start exporting for the first time. This webinar is designed for Northern Powerhouse businesses, who are new to exporting, and are looking to hear about the in-market opportunities.
Contact Details - Department for International Trade North East - northeast@mobile.trade.gov.uk
Website URL here.
Social Media URL's:
Twitter: @tradegovuk_NE
LinkedIn link here.
SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE OPPORTUNITIES IN LATAC FOR NPH COMPANIES
On Demand - Recorded September 2021
Infrastructure is a key sector for economic recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean (LATAC) and water in particular is an area where major investment is required. This region is a key part of the world that will be affected by climate change and the UK has demonstrated strengths in sustainable infrastructure critical to meeting global climate net zero and resilience goals.
Infrastructure is a key driver of economic development, competitiveness and inclusive growth. The opportunity and demand for infrastructure in this region is significant: the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) stated in 2020 that LATAC suffers from large infrastructure gaps (the difference between the infrastructure investment needed and the resources made available to address that need) and invests much less in infrastructure than other developing regions. Over the past decade, the region invested 2.8 percent of its GDP in infrastructure, half the level of emerging Asia.
A number of economies across the region are now betting on sustainable infrastructure investment to drive economic growth amidst the dual challenges of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with the effects of climate change. UK companies are well positioned to partner with Latin American governments and companies to realise this vision, with UK expertise in delivering major projects and innovation in digital and sustainable infrastructure in high demand.
The webinar will cover the following countries and regions:
Mexico
Brazil
Chile
Argentina
Colombia
Peru
Central America
Caribbean
Opportunities for NPH Companies
Opportunities have been identified in the following areas:
Project, programme and cost management
Financing schemes (PPPs, BOT)
Architectural design
Digital Construction
Master planning/engineering services
Consultancy services
Flood prevention & mitigation
Rolling stock
Signalling Bridges
If you are a Northern Powerhouse company working in infrastructure, join us to find out what opportunities are available to your business in the LATAC region.
PODCAST DIT & PwC DISCUSS THE LATEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR UK TRADE
Join Sam Myers, Her Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Matt Alabaster, PwC’s International Trade Lead Partner and host Emily Khan in this episode of PwC’s ‘Business in Focus’ podcast series to discover the growing trade opportunities between the UK and Asia Pacific, from clean growth to digital technology.
Listen to the podcast here.
MARKET BRIEFING WEBINAR: EDUCATION LANDSCAPE & OPPORTUNITIES IN LATAC
Webinar: Exploiting Education Opportunities Overseas (including EdTech) - Intellectual Property and Contractual Considerations
For companies involved in the EdTech sector this introductory webinar focuses on entering new markets, protecting your technology, and contractual considerations. This introductory session, with the opportunity for questions, will be looking at some of the key intellectual property and contractual considerations when trading in tech abroad such as:
Routes into international markets from direct selling, incorporation, franchising, agency and distribution
Internationalising terms and conditions
Navigating local regulatory compliance
The categories of IP
Myths and reality
Cost and risk
View recording here.
NEW DBT EVENTS
The DBT send on an updated version every few months, but for up to date information you can also use the following links:
For All DBT Events and Trade Missions - https://bit.ly/3BPJyrU
For North East Events - https://bit.ly/2Yh1cam
For Northern Powerhouse Events and Trade Missions - https://bit.ly/3k8kFC0
NEWS FROM THE DBT
New Helpline for EU Exports - DBT now have a national helpline to help with paperwork and regulations for exporting to EU. Please see here.
Free Trade Agreement (FTA’s) Support - We have signed FTA’s with a number of countries and more will be signed next year. This changes the export opportunities and can raise a number of questions for exporters. So at DBT North East we have contracted out this support to “The Funding Forum” see here. They have been issued with new internal email addresses and be part of our team. Please send enquiries to Paul Sparks initially, then if relevant I’ll connect you with the correct person to continue FTA support.
If you export to FRANCE - Starting 1st January, VAT on imports in France will no longer be collected by the customs authorities but rather will be automatically reverse-charged on the importer’s French VAT returns. This means it will not be possible to import goods into France without a France VAT number as all companies acting as importers of record in France will need to have a valid French VAT number and file VAT declarations. Foreign companies can register for VAT in France even if they are not established in France or elsewhere in the EU. DBT France will be partnering with RM Boulanger, a company specialised in cross-border formalities and tax matters, if you need any support with this please let me know.
Paul Sparks International Trade Adviser, Department for Business and Trade.
EVENTS & HIGHLIGHTS FROM AROUND THE NETWORK
Europe Trade Month: November 2021
New Export Support Service
The Export Support Service is a new government helpline and online service where all UK businesses can get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. Access the Export Support Service at GOV.UK/ask-export-support-team or by calling 0300 303 8955 where you will be put in touch with a member of our dedicated export support team.
GOV.UK - NEW EXPORT STRATEGY
PODCAST: DIT & PwC DISCUSS THE LATEST OPPORTUNITIES FOR UK TRADE
Join Sam Myers, Her Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, Matt Alabaster, PwC’s International Trade Lead Partner and host Emily Khan in this episode of PwC’s ‘Business in Focus’ podcast series to discover the growing trade opportunities between the UK and Asia Pacific, from clean growth to digital technology.
Listen here.
UK EXPORT FINANCE (UKEF) - GOVERNMENT BACKED FINANCE & INSURANCE
You might not be aware of “UK Export Finance” (UKEF) which can help you with funding for exporting and overseas projects (see here) and also the information below which includes a number of links. If any of this is of interest to you please let Paul Sparks know and he will put you in contact with the North East representative for a free chat.
The “trade finance” support is exclusively for businesses with a turnover of £6m or more. Whereas “export insurance” can be companies of any size, (it’s the buyers finances & trading history that is crucial).
UK Export Finance (UKEF) is the UK’s export credit agency and a government department, working alongside Department for International Trade.
Having finance and insurance backing from HM Government through UKEF gives you the edge you need to win and fulfil contracts and withstand risk of non-payment in international markets. UKEF supports exporters to:
access export finance
manage payment risks
win export contracts by offering competitive terms to buyers. UKEF works with banks and other financial institutions to support exports for any size of company and across all sectors, from capital goods to services and intangibles such as intellectual property.
Access export finance
If the terms of a contract require a bond, such as performance guarantees or advance payment guarantees, UKEF’s Bond Support Scheme can guarantee a UK exporter’s bank up to 80% of the bond’s value, significantly reducing the size of the deposit needed.
UKEF’s Export Working Capital Scheme can partially guarantee to cover the credit risks for lenders associated with export working capital facilities. This means UK companies can export if they win a contract higher in value than usual, or win more overseas contracts than usual.
UK suppliers to exporters can now also access UKEF financing, further spreading the benefits of trade. Becoming part of an export supply chain can help smaller companies get their products and services into new markets.
Managing payment risks
UKEF helps exporters manage the uncertainties of trading overseas. Export insurance is readily available in most cases from the commercial sector but securing the right cover can be a challenge in some markets.
UKEF’s Export Insurance Policy extends to cover exporters who are unable to uphold the contract for reasons beyond their control, such as country risk or issues within a supply chain.
Offering competitive terms to buyers
UKEF helps exporters win contracts by providing attractive financing for overseas buyers, either in the form of guarantees on commercial loans or by lending to them directly. This competitive, long-term financing is particularly relevant to buyers in new and emerging markets, but is also used for larger and longer-term projects that the private sector does not have the capacity to support. UKEF can offer support in over 60 pre-approved local currencies, enabling more overseas buyers to buy from the UK and pay in their own currency.
DIT NORTH EAST DEFENCE & SECURITY SECTOR INSIGHT SURVEY
Help us shape the support available for the North East Defence & Security Sector to grow Overseas!
DIT North East are delighted to announce the newly appointed Defence & Security Lead for the region, Scott Duncan. Scott will be leading on a project on behalf of DIT to develop a sector plan for the North East to identify the companies that operate in the Defence & Security sector, our regional capabilities and propensity to export our products and services. All of which will inform DIT’s strategic thinking to identify international trade support that we can provide you in the future.
As part of this activity, we would like your input in shaping the support we might offer North East businesses in the Defence & Security Sector to grow overseas in the future. Please spare no longer than five minutes to complete this short survey. Your response, alongside the opportunity for more in-depth discussion via a follow up appointment with Scott, will be critical in informing and
shaping our sector plan.
Click here to complete the survey.
BREXIT & UK TRANSITION - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The UK has now left the EU single market and customs union. Whilst many aspects of Brexit are still unknown there are some things that will happen whatever the final outcome of the negotiations. We’ve attached some guides to help you with this, every business will be affected in some way, even if it is just the way you store and process customer details etc.
The central point of information for all official government announcements and guides is https://www.gov.uk/transition
As well as DIT there are other government departments providing information to help with the transition. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) have produced a range of webinars, access these live and on demand, scroll down the page after opening the page.
North East England Chamber of Commerce (NEECC) – Brexit Support Week starting 16th Nov, see this and other events here.
The North East Growth Hub has some great resources here.
DIT are getting a range of questions on how the end of the transition period will affect them, if you have any specific concerns about the end of the transition period please send email us and we will try to get you an answer or point you in the right direction.
DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The Department for International Trade has added many new events, both recorded and future events, including trade missions, webinars, etc. some are region specific and others available to businesses across whole of UK, please see https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ehome/trade-events-calendar/all-events/index.php and keep checking this as new events added all the time.
DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE - OVERSEAS BUSINESS TRAVEL
Please see on the left the PDF which provides updated guidance on overseas business travel following Brexit, such as new visa systems, work permits etc and also updated guidance on Recognition of Professional Qualifications which you might need to get officially recognised in order to continue to provide services in EU or EFTA countries.
ARE YOU PREPARED TO TRADE UNDER THE NEW RULES?
With the UK now an independent trading nation, DIT has online tools and resources which are the go-to source of information for all businesses who trade internationally.
They are also a great starting place for businesses looking to seize new global trading opportunities.
Exporting goods from the UK
If you export goods out of the UK, visit the Check How to Export Goods online tool to find information on UK borders, and duties and customs procedures for over 160 markets around the world.
To export dual-use controlled items from the UK you must have a licence issued by the UK, except if you are exporting from Northern Ireland to the EU or Channel Islands. Find out if your items need a licence.
Check which tariffs apply to imports into the UK
Use the tariff look-up tool to find the tariff information you need, including commodity codes, duty and VAT rates.
Where to find more information
If you have any questions about the new trading rules and can’t find answers online, fill out an enquiry form and one of our experts will point you in the right direction.
THE END OF THE BREXIT TRANSITION PERIOD
We have now left the EU single market and customs union and new trading rules apply.
Regardless of the outcome from negotiations with the EU, there are guaranteed changes and opportunities which businesses need to prepare for - including changes to the way you import and export goods with the EU and the process for hiring people from the EU.
To help you prepare, here are 4 things you should do:
Visit GOV.UK/transition to take a short survey and receive a personalised list of actions that you and your business needs to take.
Sign-up to webinars hosted by DIT, BEIS, HMRC and Defra to learn more about the actions you can take to ensure your business is prepared for the 1st January 2021. There are also recordings of sector-specific webinars.
If you trade internationally, find out what you need to do to continue exporting goods to the EU and/or continue importing goods from the EU from the 1st January 2021.
Sign up to email alerts to stay up to date with any further changes.
If you have any questions about preparing for the end of the Brexit transition period and you can’t find answers at GOV.UK/transition, fill out the enquiry form and one of our experts will point you in the right direction.
If you trade with countries outside of the EU, information is also available on the steps you need to take when importing and exporting goods.
HOME OFFICE PODCASTS: BUSINESS & THE FUTURE OF IMMIGRATION IN 2021
To help employers prepare for the points-based immigration system, the Home Office has created a podcast episode in partnership with Intelligence Squared. The discussion covers what you need to know if you are thinking of hiring anyone from outside the UK from 1 January 2021.
Listen now to Business and the Future of Immigration in 2021.
IMPORTING GOODS FROM JANUARY 2021: THE UK GLOBAL TARIFF
The UK has left the EU. The transition period ended on the 31st December this year and the UK left the single market and customs union. Businesses should take action now.
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?
Learn more about the UK Global Tarif
Plan ahead by looking up the tariffs you will need to pay using the tariff look up tool.
If you import goods from the EU, learn more about the import process and border controls with the EU from January 2021.
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) here.
HM GOVERNMENT: BUSINESS READINESS BULLETIN - BREXIT: NEW RULES ARE HERE
The UK has left the EU, and the Brexit transition period has ended. There are new rules for businesses doing business with the EU from 1st January, and you need to take action now. All information on Brexit can be found at here. This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for businesses.
NEW £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund
The new £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund offers support to help small businesses adjust to new customs procedures, rules of origin, and VAT rules when trading with the EU.
SMEs who trade only with the EU, and are therefore new to importing and exporting processes, can apply for grants of up to £2,000, to pay for practical support including training and professional advice to ensure they can continue trading effectively with the EU.
You can use the grant for training on:
how to complete customs declarations
how to manage customs processes and use customs software and systems
specific import and export related aspects including VAT, excise and rules of origin
It can be used to help you get professional advice so your business can meet its customs, excise, import VAT or safety and security declaration requirements.
Your business may be eligible if you have up to 500 employees, and no more than £100 million annual turnover.
Applications for the SME Brexit Support Fund will open soon. For more information on how you can use the grant, who can apply and how to apply, click here.
Importing and Exporting
NEW: Step-by-Step guides to importing and exporting goods between Great Britain and the EU: There are new rules for importing and exporting goods between Great Britain and countries in the EU. Whether you’re completing customs declarations yourself or have an intermediary to do it for you, these guides will take you through each step and set out your options.
Import goods into the UK: step by step: How to bring goods into the UK from any country, including how much tax and duty you’ll need to pay and whether you need to get a licence or certificate.
Export goods from the UK: step by step: How to move goods from the UK to international destinations, including the EU.
NEW: DEFRA’s Trader showcase sites for the latest information on exporting and moving goods from GB to the EU and NI: DEFRA's Showcase sites are a one-stop-shop of useful information and documents for traders who export live animals or animal products.
UPDATED: Importing from and re-exporting union goods to the EU Resources such as trader support packs and flowcharts, have been updated to include a new ‘Importing and re-exporting union goods to the EU – Flowchart'. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Report goods arriving at a UK port on a commercial vessel: Guidance for the ship’s master or ship’s agent of commercial vessels on reporting goods arriving in at a UK port, has been updated with information about ‘an account of stores held on board’. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: List of customs agents and fast parcel operators: The list of agents and operators who can help submit customs declarations has been updated. For more information, click here.
Marketing goods
UPDATED: Using the UKCA marking: Guidance has been updated to include further instructions regarding the height of the UKCA marking. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: Using the UKNI marking: Guidance has been updated to include further instructions regarding the height of the UKNI marking. For more information, click here.
Trade
UPDATED: UK trade agreements with non-EU countries: The list of trade agreements has been updated to reflect the fully ratified UK-Egypt and UK-Singapore agreements. For more information, click here.
Business Support Helplines
NEW: Brexit transition helplines: A list of government helplines organised by theme and key actions for businesses has been published. To view this, click here.
There are new rules for businesses doing business with the EU from 1st January, and you need to take action now. To help you, a helpline has been set up. For English businesses, the Business Support Helpline can help you identify the actions you need to take. Similar helplines are available for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
For more information for:
businesses in England, call 0800 998 1098
businesses in Scotland, call 0300 303 0660
businesses in Wales, call 0300 060 3000
businesses in Northern Ireland, call 0800 181 4422.
For more information, including opening hours, click here.
Webinars and Podcasts
NEW: The National Cyber Security Centre is running a series of free cyber security webinars and talks aimed at UK businesses of all sizes, educational institutions and charities. For more information, click here.
NEW: Exporting goods from Great Britain to the EU via the short straits: A webinar and Q&A session on the issues arising from goods moving from GB to the EU, via the short straits, has been published. To view these, click here.
Video content to keep your business moving: short on-demand videos covering the new rules on exports, imports, tariffs, data and hiring are available to view here.
DEFRA are hosting a series of webinars covering importing food and drink, including composite food and fishery products from the EU to Great Britain (GB) from 1 April 2021. For more information and to register for relevant webinars, click here.
Webinars for businesses that trade with the EU: Click here to view a list of webinars you can sign up to watch live or on demand.
Sector-specific guidance
Emissions Trading
UPDATED: Participating in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS): Guidance explaining who the UK ETS applies to, and what is required of businesses that are covered, has been updated. Information on auctioning has been updated to include information on the Auction Reserve Price, the Cost Containment Mechanism and the Auctioning Regulations. For more information, click here.
Fishing & Fisheries
NEW: Scottish seafood taskforce to solve ongoing problems with exports: A new seafood taskforce has been established, drawing together senior political figures, industry representatives and UK Government officials, all working to solve ongoing problems with exports. For more information, click here.
UPDATED: How to export wild caught marine fishery products to the EU from 1 January 2021: The latest edition of the ‘One-stop-shop' guidance is now available. For more information, click here.
HM GOVERNMENT'S BUSINESS SUPPORT WEBINARS
Government departments are hosting a series of webinars to help businesses understand the support available:
for topics that cover supporting and retaining staff and the self-employed, register to attend future webinars or watch recorded sessions
for international trade, register here or watch recorded sessions
for small businesses and changes to reporting, regulation and tax, watch recorded webinars
NEW EXPORT SUPPORT SERVICE
The Export Support Service is a new government helpline and online service where all UK businesses can get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. It gives access to cross government information and support all in one place. If you are a UK business you can use this free service, no matter the size of your business or which part of the UK you are based. DIT will continue to work with businesses and business representative groups from all sectors, in all parts of the UK, to help make the service as useful as possible for businesses. You can access the Export Support Service here or by calling 0300 303 8955 where you will be put in touch with a member of our dedicated export support team. You can also ask a question online. The export support team will reply within 3 working days. They might ask for more information.
INSTITUTE OF EXPORT & INTERNATIONAL TRADE: NEW SME BREXIT SUPPORT FUND
Claim up to £2,000 towards training and advisory services
To help you adapt to new rules for trade with the EU, the IOE&IT has launched a SME Brexit Support Package of training and support, fundable by new government grants.
The government this week announced an additional £20 million available through the SME Brexit Support Fund. Provided you meet certain eligibility criteria, you can get £2000 funding towards the costs of training and/or professional advice, to help you with changes to trade rules with the EU.
To help you adapt to new rules for trade with the EU, our SME Brexit Support Package is a good place to start.
One of our experts will provide a day's in-house training for your business (via virtual classroom), looking at the specific impacts new rules and regulations could have on your business. They will create a one-page action plan with you to help ensure you're ready to continue EU trade.
The one-day training will cover the following core topics to help you, as an SME, continue trading:
EU:UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
Exporting to the EU
Importing from the EU
Rules of Origin for duty free trade
Incoterms for EU trade
Commodity codes
Trade and customs documentation
Customs procedures
Product regulatory compliance
Summary and wrap up
Book your support package today. Our team will help you through the grant application process.
£1950 inc. VAT for non-members
£1750 inc. VAT for IOE&IT members
The SME Brexit Support Fund can also be used against several of the Institute's one day training courses to ensure key members in your team have the knowledge they need to be able to continue to trade with the EU:
Due to COVID-19, courses are currently being offered through a virtual classroom. You can view all the courses here.
DURHAM FUTURE INNOVATION BUILDING PROJECT
Aims of the programme
The programme is designed to support innovation in the Construction, Health and Elec-Tech sectors. It runs from 1 January 2021 until 30 June 2023. It is designed to support innovation to transform products, processes and services for the future, and create possibilities to extend, transform, replace and develop entirely new products and markets, growing their supply chains, feeding into improved productivity, employment and wider economic and other benefits for County Durham. These sectors have been identified as they are areas of strength in County Durham.
Innovation areas have been further identified as strategically important in the LEP Economic Plan for the North East, to grow productivity, employment and new markets. At government level, AI, The Data Economy, The Future of Mobility, Clean Growth, Ageing Society, and more recently The Green Economy, Net Zero and the Eight Great Enabling Technologies are very important innovation considerations for the future. Innovation may be disruptive, life enhancing and transition society to adapt, in order to meet our future needs in County Durham, and globally.
For further details on this project, please click here.
BUSINESS DURHAM UPCOMING EVENTS
CE MARK, 6 MONTH COUNTDOWN TO UKCA & UKNI
From the 31st December 2021 it will be mandatory to use the new UKCA marking (UKNI for Ireland) for products that currently require CE Marking, new guidance has been produced by UK Government. Please see detailed step by step guidance and one page guides for both UKCA and UKNI as well as a FAQ document.
Work is currently being done to translate guidance into other languages so that businesses can make their overseas clients aware of the changes, as there is currently little awareness within the EU of these planned changes.
ROYAL MAIL - NEW REQUIREMENTS WHEN SENDING INTERNATIONAL ITEMS
Electronic customs data is now required when sending items abroad
Electronic customs data is now mandatory when you send items/goods abroad (excluding personal correspondence). You are required to provide customs data to us electronically in addition to the physical customs declaration (CN22 or CN23). This has been effective since 1 January 2020. Failure to comply is likely to result in delays, having items returned or even destroyed.
As of 1 June 2021, all Royal Mail shipping systems will require mandatory electronic customs data, to ship items internationally.
How to make it easy
Depending on how you are posting your items internationally, this will dictate on how you provide electronic customs data.
One of the ways to provide the required data is to use a shipping platform which meets the compliance requirements.
Royal Mail has shipping platforms such as Click & Drop* and Pro Shipping* or you can integrate you system with API Shipping. These platforms capture and generate customs data files plus automatically create the required labels to send items abroad.
* Other competitor shipping systems also available
For Online postage, please ensure you complete the electronic customs form fully and completely. This will pre-advise customs data to the receiving overseas postal authority and generate a physical customs form to attach to your item.
Franking customers must include a self-adhesive S10 barcode on all untracked items (International Standard & International Economy) containing goods plus a clearly completed customs form (CN22/CN23). Barcodes are available from www.royalmail.com/mailsupplies. For tracked items an additional barcode is not required but clear and legible customs declarations must be completed. Royal Mail will take care of customs pre-advice to the overseas postal authority. See more on our International Services on account and franking page.
If you are sending gifts/goods via a Post Office fully complete the relevant customs form (CN22 or CN23) clearly and legibly and attach it to your item. The Post Office will advise you of the correct customs form. Untracked items (International Standard and International Economy) should use the customs form that carries a barcode. If sending using one of our tracked and signature services an unbarcoded CN22/CN23 should be used. Royal Mail will take care of customs pre-advice to the overseas postal authority.
For further information, please visit the Royal Mail website.
BUSINESS DURHAM - LFD POSTCARD
I wanted to let you know about some information that our Public Health team have produced regarding lateral flow device testing that I thought might be useful for your business networks and contacts.
I’ve attached images of a postcard for those who are accessing lateral flow device COVID-19 tests - either through an employer programme, community/pharmacy collect or by directly ordering them from NHS Test and Trace. It reminds people of their duties should they test positive (i.e. self-isolate and book PCR test) as well as signposting to sources of advice and support.
Andrea McGuigan, Business Durham
WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK!
DIT North East would like your input in shaping our 2021/22 virtual events and webinar programme.
Ahead of the new programme release, we’re asking North East businesses which topics they feel would be most beneficial to maximise export potential.
To ensure the 2021/22 virtual events and webinar programme is beneficial to businesses in our region we would be grateful if you could spare a few minutes to complete our short survey.
Responses can be anonymous and any feedback you can provide will help influence the practical knowledge and support we can offer North East businesses.
