BUSINESS REPORT
BUSINESS REPORT
Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the appointment of Jacqui Wilkins to the role of president of the Board of Directors. As founder and director of the award-winning creative communications consultancy, Visual Identity, Jacqui brings with her over 30 years’ experience running her own successful business; as a life- long supporter of all things Milton Keynes, Jacqui is a keen champion for everything the city has to offer. A proud alumnus of the Chelsea
‘JACQUI IS A PASSIONATE
SUPPORTER OF AN EDUCATION
School of Art, Jacqui is a passionate supporter of an education system fit for the modern business world and believes childhood beginnings should not predetermine future achievements. The recipient of numerous accolades throughout her career, Jacqui has steered Visual Identity through two major recessions, and turned challenges into a platform for greater successes. In considering the mantel of president, and her
SYSTEM FIT FOR THE MODERN BUSINESS WORLD’
MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER keeps its members up to date with all the latest business news. Whether it’s through the pages of this magazine, our website or regular email updates, we will always endeavour to keep you in the picture and informed
NEW PRESIDENT JOINS THE CHAMBER
Milton Keynes, somewhere she states is, “the best place to live and work in the UK.” Louise Wall, interim chief executive of Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are thrilled that Jacqui has agreed to become our new president. Having served on the board for several years, we are left in no doubt that with Jacqui’s expertise and guidance at the helm, the Milton Keynes Chamber will only go from strength to
strength.” In looking to the future,
Jacqui added: “Through authentic
action and care for our membership we will identify current needs, implement new ideas, and offer meaningful services to all member levels and business sectors.”
aspirations for the Milton Keynes Chamber at such a vital juncture in its history, Jacqui is committed to forging strong relationships with those who share her passion for
Visit:
www.chambermk.co.uk Call: 01908 547 820
New MK Chamber President, Jacqui Wilkins HELPING BUSINESSES MOVE GOODS
To all businesses moving goods between the UK and the EU and between GB and NI. I write today to emphasise the
need for businesses to prepare for the new arrangements for trading with the EU in January 2021, and the steps they need to take to help them to continue to prosper next year. As you know, the United
Kingdom left the European Union on 31 January of this year, delivering on the result of the largest single vote in the country’s history. On 12 June, this Government formally confirmed to our negotiating partners that we would not seek an extension to the transition period and emphasised our desire to intensify negotiations in order to reach a deal. The transition period ends on 31 December 2020, and on 1 January new trading arrangements with the EU will come into force.
On 13 July, I announced the
publication of a new Border Operating Model in which I laid out plans for the operation of a full external border as a sovereign nation. I want to impress upon you the importance of using the next 6- month period to prepare for leaving the customs union and for the application of the United Kingdom Global Tariff. If you have not one so already, now is the time to Check, Change, and Go. All businesses must take the following steps to ensure they are prepared: 1. Speak to your local chamber of commerce, they are experienced in International Trade and can help guide you.
2. Register for an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number, you need this to Import and Export.
3. Check the terms of your existing contracts with your customers and suppliers.
4. Plan how your business with deal with customs declarations.
5. Appoint a customs broker/ intermediary to make customs declarations on your behalf.
6. Check if customs guarantees and simplified procedures will be helpful for your business and complete the application processes.
7. Identify the staff that can be trained on customs and apply for HMRC grant funding
8. Use the guidance available at
www.gov.uk/transition
As we committed in the Command Paper, we will be issuing further guidance to Northern Ireland traders in the coming weeks, including detail of the extensive end-to-end support we will offer to those engaging in new administrative processes. My colleagues across
Government, at both ministerial
and official level, will continue to work with industry leaders such as the British Chambers of Commerce over the coming months to make sure that you have the right information to prepare in a timely manner. Many of you have worked hard to
weather the impacts of Covid-19 on your businesses, and I would like to thank you for the efforts you have gone to to mitigate the impact of the virus on your sectors. As we recover and rebuild, now is the time to take these steps to prepare your business, and the country as a whole, so that we are ready to seize the opportunities available as a result of the UK’s exit from the European Union.
With every good wish,
Rt Hon Michael Gove MP Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2020 inbusiness 5
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