News

As of January 31, 2024, the Border Target Operating Model has confirmed that certain goods transported directly from Irish ports to Great Britain will be subject to full customs controls.

For goods imported directly from Ireland to Great Britain (excluding those moving from or through Northern Ireland), it is mandatory to complete import processes. To comply with these requirements, refer to the guidelines outlined in the Border Target Operating Model.

Traders handling these goods must now make import customs declarations at the point of import, eliminating the option to delay declarations. Ports are obligated to enforce customs clearance for goods moving from Ireland to Great Britain, and clearance is a prerequisite for releasing goods from the port.

It is crucial to ensure that you, or any party moving goods on your behalf, are acquainted with the new procedures effective from January 31, 2024.

What you need to do to prepare to move goods from 31‌‌‌ ‌‌January 2024:

• If you are moving qualifying Northern Ireland goods, you should confirm this to your haulier and/or carrier. You can find out more about qualifying Northern Ireland goods on GOV‌‌‌.UK
• You need to register for a GB Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number if you do not already have one
• As import declarations will need to be made through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS), you or your representative will also need access to the CDS
• To make import declarations in your own records (Entry In Declarants Records (EIDR)) you will need to apply for authorisation to use simplified declarations for imports if not already authorised
• If your goods are being moved from Ireland through roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) ports in Great Britain, you will need to make your customs declarations before the goods depart from Ireland, and you will need to follow Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) processes
• If hauliers are moving goods on your behalf they will need to register for GVMS if they haven’t already done so, and you will need to provide the movement reference number (MRN) from your declarations to the person moving your goods in order for them to be able to generate a goods movement reference (GMR). Hauliers will need to provide a valid GMR for all lorries and trailers moving from Ireland to Great Britain that check-in with a carrier from‌‌‌‌‌‌ ‌‌midnight on 31‌‌‌ ‌‌January 2024
• At inventory-linked ports or other locations, the haulier or the intermediary that is moving the goods on your behalf will need to follow standard processes to ensure your goods are presented to customs, declared, and cleared before they can be released for free circulation in Great Britain
• Businesses making a full import declaration or simplified frontier declaration on the CDS for goods moving from Ireland to Great Britain (including for excise goods) will no longer be required to ‘arrive’ their declaration by the end of the next working day after arriving in Great Britain. For goods being entered into excise duty suspense, the entry onto the Excise Movement and Control Systems (EMCS) must be made by the time they arrive in Great Britain
• If you are moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain via Ireland, including qualifying Northern Ireland goods, you will need to comply with some Irish customs requirements to exit through a port in Ireland, and will need to check Irish customs guidance

If you move non-qualifying goods directly from Northern Ireland to Great Britain, you will need to submit an import declaration.

If the goods are arriving in Great Britain from Northern Ireland through ro-ro ports, you do not need to include your import declaration reference in a GMR.

You will need to update the status of your full import declaration to ‘arrived’ on the system by 11‌‌‌.59pm on the working day after the day your goods arrived in Great Britain.

Delaying declarations for goods brought into Great Britain

From 31‌‌‌ ‌‌January 2024 you will no longer be able to delay sending HMRC the full information about your goods by up to 175 days after import.

If you moved goods from Northern Ireland or Ireland to Great Britain before 31‌‌‌ ‌‌January 2024 and used the delayed declarations process, you will need to submit your supplementary declarations and pay any customs duty within the 175 days deadline for the following movements:
• goods moved from Northern Ireland or Ireland to Great Britain which are not qualifying Northern Ireland goods
• goods moved from or through Northern Ireland to avoid the UK tariff or import processes
• goods moved from Ireland to Great Britain, having originally started their journey in the EU and passed through Northern Ireland

For further information please select the following links or email Exportmailbox@staffordshirechambers.co.uk  for support from our award-winning International Trade team.

• Moving qualifying goods from Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK – GOV.UK
• Customs Declaration Service – GOV.UK
• Making an import declaration in your records – GOV.UK
• Apply to use simplified declarations for imports – GOV.UK
• Check how to move goods through ports that use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service – GOV.UK
• Register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service – GOV.UK

Further help and support  can be found on GOV.UK: Imports and exports: general enquiries

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is making strides in bolstering the region’s digital skills with the launch of the Digital Skills Working Group (DSWG). The initiative aims to forge connections between businesses and training providers, cultivating a comprehensive local perspective on the digital skills pathway.

The primary objective is to guide learners, and where applicable, their families, by providing direction to technology-specific learning opportunities. The DSWG endeavors to showcase available courses that support professional career development within the digital sector and beyond.

The inaugural meeting of the Digital Skills Working Group took place in November. Building on the momentum, the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 25th January, at 10 AM. The meeting will be hosted at our Commerce House office (ST1 5BE), with the option for remote attendance. For more information or to confirm your attendance, please contact declan.riddel@staffordshirechambers.co.uk.

The envisioned digital skills pathway is anticipated to be a dynamic resource, open to contributions from training providers interested in participating. The emphasis lies in shedding light on the digital technology “stacks” covered in open courses. This approach encourages businesses to offer constructive feedback on the current offerings and identify potential gaps in the curriculum. The ultimate goal is to empower local businesses to actively participate in work placement opportunities, including T Levels and apprenticeships, with the assurance that relevant technology skills are actively taught within the community.

We invite interested parties to express their intention to attend the upcoming meeting and specify their preference for participation, whether face-to-face or remotely. Your input is crucial in shaping a robust and effective digital skills pathway for Staffordshire’s workforce. Together, we can bridge the gap and propel our region towards a digitally skilled future.

We’re delighted to announce that applications for Staffordshire’s biggest business awards will open next Monday, 22 January – and there are two brand new categories to enter!

The high-profile awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of local businesses who have demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation and contribution to the Staffordshire economy during the last 12 months and beyond.

It’s a great way to increase brand recognition, unlock new marketing opportunities, network with Staffordshire’s best businesses and ultimately boost your bottom line.

The annual Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards are widely recognised as the most illustrious awards in the region, with award winners joining a prestigious list of elite businesses who have previously won an accolade.

Finalists shortlisted for an award will be exclusively unveiled in Daily Focus, before being invited to join us for the Gala awards ceremony on 4 July.

The two new categories will be officially revealed when applications go live next Monday.

Good luck to everyone entering!

It’s been a busy start to the New Year at Commerce House.

The Chamber team has hit the ground running, working across a myriad of exciting initiatives and projects as we set the stage for another year of growth for the Staffordshire business community.

This week also saw the official announcement that Staffordshire Chambers has appointed Rachel Laver as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Following an exhaustive three-month search, Rachel emerged as the prime candidate to lead Staffordshire Chambers into the future. Currently serving as the CEO at Marches Local Enterprise Partnership, Rachel is set to assume her role at the Chamber on 14 March.

With a distinguished track record of delivering high-value projects exceeding £50 million in various sectors, Rachel’s expertise as a regeneration specialist, particularly in implementing publicly funded projects and initiatives, aligns seamlessly with our mission to foster economic development.

In the coming year, we look forward to building on our recent achievements and advancing the Chamber’s mission under Rachel’s guidance.

Welcome to Staffordshire Chambers, Rachel!

The corridors are certainly quieter at Commerce House this week in the absence of Sara Williams OBE, who embarked on her well-deserved retirement at the turn of the year.

I had the privilege of working alongside Sara for the better part of a decade, during which she was a source of support, an inspiration, and a pioneer for both the Chamber team and the broader business community. All the best in your retirement, and thanks again, Sara.

Looking ahead – I would like to thank our Chamber Board, Council, Patrons, partners and members for the ongoing support – and here’s to a successful and prosperous 2024!

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

You’ve told us that tackling skills shortages is a top priority.

One way to ease recruitment difficulties is to make it easier for people from diverse talent pools to access jobs in your businesses and help them progress in their careers with you.

That’s why Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is working with a new UK-wide Workplace Equity Commission.

We’ve brought together an amazing panel, comprising businesses and experts from across civic society.

The aim is to help SMEs, across all sectors and geographies, create more equitable workplaces. We are defining ‘workplace equity’ as creating a level playing field for individuals, recognising that we do not all start from the same place and that adjustments may be required to provide fair access to opportunity. It is considering equity for everyone, and not focusing on any group or protected characteristic.

How to get involved

We have published a national Call for Evidence that asks: ‘How can SMEs create more fair and equitable workplaces?’

We hope you will share any work you are doing, or planning to do, on equality, diversity and inclusion with us.

We are inviting views and insights from everyone who wants to contribute. We’d like to hear about best practices, as well as any challenges firms are facing, and where more support is needed. We aim to produce practical recommendations for business and government that will help create a level playing field in our workplaces and resolve the widespread recruitment difficulties that are holding back growth. The Call for Evidence is open until 16 February 2024.

Full details can be found here.

For more information, or to submit evidence, please email suzanne.quinn@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Air IT, a leading Managed Service Provider in the UK, has raised £10,620 for Guide Dogs, their chosen charity of the year for 2023. The goal was to support someone with sight loss to live a more fulfilling life with the assistance of their very own guide dog.

Throughout the year, the staff at Air IT organised various fundraising activities, including charity client events, bake sales, competitions, and personal donations. As a result of these efforts, Air IT successfully raised £10,620 to name and sponsor a puppy ‘Air’ through the charity’s Name a Puppy scheme.

Felicity Stratton, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager for Guide Dogs, said: “It costs approximately £54,800 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement and Guide Dogs relies almost entirely on donations to keep its life-changing services running.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at Air IT for choosing to support us and we look forward to sharing the news of Air’s safe arrival soon.”

The funds raised by Air IT were made possible with the introduction of their Charity and Community Employee Resource Group (ERG), an integral part of Air IT’s ESG journey. Further support was given throughout the year by Brian Little, an industry veteran and close friend of Air IT who now dedicates his time to raising vital funds for Guide Dogs, having lost his vision a few years ago. The support contributed significantly to the fundraising efforts, enabling Air IT to cover the training process of a guide dog.

Brian Little, a volunteer fundraiser for Guide Dogs said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working closely with Air IT over the past year, having been involved in a number of events such as their annual AirFest, THEBIG50 and other company events including a recent webinar, and working closely with their exceptional sales team. I’m looking forward to following Air’s training journey next year.

“Having had the chance to meet lots of guide dog owners and being severely visually impaired myself (blind), I fully understand the life-changing qualities a guide dog brings to someone. A personal thank you to the entire Air IT team for their fantastic support and remarkable fundraising efforts. You guys are really making a difference!”

The funds raised by Air IT will cover the process of training Air from birth to advanced training, until the point of handover where Air will be paired and become the eyes and trusted companion of someone with sight loss.

Guide Dogs, a UK-based charity, heavily relies on donations to continue its life-changing work, which makes a real difference in the lives of adults and children living with sight loss.

I feel like I have been saying thank you and goodbye constantly since I announced my decision to retire back in September.

However, the moment has arrived for me to finally depart Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

Not long after I was appointed, I bought a house in Brown Edge in the Staffordshire Moorlands, and it was definitely one of my better decisions. It helped me get acquainted with an area I will admit I knew little about, to appreciate its natural beauty and the warmth and generosity of the people.

The last twelve years have been a fantastic journey and I feel a changed and better person for it. I have worked with so many innovative, creative and generous people to achieve our goals and we certainly have achieved a lot, especially in times of adversity.

I could make an endless list of programmes, projects and schemes the Chambers has run or been involved in, but not a single one of them would have happened without this spirit of dedication and common purpose.

We have a robust structure in place, my successor will shortly be announced and I know you will support them as you have supported me.

And so, as I depart, one final thank you. Keep doing what you do in the way that you do it.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Sara

If you want to talk to the Chambers about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

The British Army has announced plans to host a unique event in the Spitfire Gallery at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, set to give the public an insight into the Army, its operations and its wider role in society.

Taking place on Wednesday, 31 January, the event, titled “Meet Your Army: The Army Engagement Group,” promises an in-depth exploration of the military’s integral role in our local communities.

Open to all individuals interested in gaining a nuanced perspective on the military, the evening is designed to provide valuable insights and unique perspectives.

Key event features include:

• Arrival/Reception (18:30 – 19:00): Attendees will be welcomed to The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, creating an environment for interaction with fellow guests and army personnel.
• Main Presentation (19:00 – 19:45): The core of the event features a comprehensive presentation by the Army Engagement Group, offering an in-depth look into the various departments and the individuals who serve.
• Q&A Session (19:45 – 20:15): Following the presentation, a dynamic question and answer session will enable attendees to directly engage with army representatives and address inquiries.
• Light Buffet Supper & Networking (20:15 – 21:00): The evening concludes with a casual light buffet supper, fostering networking opportunities and further discussions with army representatives.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
• Time: 18:30 – 21:00 GMT
• Venue: The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke on Trent

For more information or to book your free space, please click here.

Nominations are now open for the Totally Stoked Awards, celebrating the hard work and success of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire’s voluntary and community sector – VAST has confirmed.

There are a total of nine award categories, ranging from Community Champion—an individual who has made a significant impact on their organisation and community—to Best Collaborative Project—a celebration of partnership projects.

You can submit multiple nominations for each category, including for your own organisation.

A VAST spokesperson said: “Nominations will be evaluated by a panel who may not be aware of the person, project, or organisation you are nominating, so please make sure your nominations are clear, detailed, and as meaningful as possible.

“We want to know why you think they should win!”

If you have any questions, please contact the team at hello@totallystoked.org.uk before you submit your nominations. Nominations will close on Wednesday 3rd January 2024.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony early in the new year. Click here for more details and for a full list of categories.