Chief Executive
A connected network
There is a chance for businesses to build a dynamic, global network through the international chambers
I RECENTLY HAD THE PRIVILEGE of attending the annual meeting of the British Chambers of Commerce in London. A significant part of this gathering was a welcome to the international network of British chambers. I was delighted to learn there are 55 British chambers in countries around the globe, with representatives from all across Europe, from South East Asia and the Middle East and from Africa and the Americas. Each one of these overseas
connections represents an opportunity for Glasgow businesses looking to export their products and skills to new markets. The British Chambers of Commerce increasingly views this as a chance to build a dynamic and connected global network capable of doing more for our members. Everyone I spoke with felt there is a real possibility of this network growing in reach and in quality. There has been a view that the co- ordination of this vital resource has been a bit haphazard up until now, and that after all the discussions and debate about Brexit, it is worth co-ordinating this network more effectively, providing members and the overseas representatives with the necessary advisory support. Indeed, the British Chambers now has in
There are 55 British chambers in countries around the globe"
mind expanding this network to around 100 countries where Glasgow businesses will be able to have points of local contact. Many of the representatives are British nationals who are living and working in their chosen countries and want to do something for their home nation. Many own and operate companies in these foreign parts, so they are well suited to offer the kind of practical advice that businesses need when they venture into virgin business territory. Of course, this international
network is already part of Glasgow Chamber's DNA and we have direct and cordial connections with several international chambers, such as the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce in New York City, but I can see this British Chambers initiative as being something significant. Don't forget that Glasgow Chamber already has a memorandum
of understanding with the British Chamber of Commerce in Italy and this could also prove to be lucrative for businesses as Glasgow prepares for COP26, the enormous United Nations Climate Summit to be
held in Scotland next year. Some of the preliminary sessions leading up to this exceptionally high- profile event will be held in Milan, and we are already discussing opportunities to work with our colleagues in Italy to make new connections for our members. Meanwhile, Glasgow Chamber’s
workload in export documentation is also likely to increase after Brexit. We already provide the documentation processing service for certificates of origin and authentication for European and Arab British exporting and in the lead up to Christmas we will also be offering an expanded service to help with export and import customs declarations. All of this is part of Glasgow Chamber’s work to make sure we help Glasgow businesses perform on the international stage.
Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive chiefexecutive@glasgow
chamberofcommerce.com
www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com 9
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
