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Don’t leave your temporary exports to luck: Use an ATA Carnet

St Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration from Dublin to New York or anywhere in between. But when it comes to temporarily exporting goods to Ireland, don’t leave things to chance! Since the UK left the European Union, moving exhibition stands, professional equipment, or samples across borders can be confusing. The last thing you want is delays at customs, unexpected fees, or worse—goods stuck at the border! Now that would be unlucky! So, how can you take your goods out of the UK and into Ireland temporarily? belfast_port.jpg The answer is simple: an ATA Carnet - your “passport” for goods An ATA Carnet works like a “passport” for goods, allowing you to temporarily export and then re-import your items. Using an ATA Carnet will not only help you avoid costly duties and taxes when you visit Ireland but will make the journey into and out of the country go much more smoothly. This is because an ATA Carnet acts as a ‘guarantee’ to foreign countries/territories that all goods will be re-exported within a certain time-frame.

Helen Hodgson

17 March, 2025

Business West

BCC Press Release: US Tariffs Hit UK Business 

Reacting to the introduction of 25 percent tariffs on exports of UK steel and aluminium to the United States, William Bain, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Head of Trade Policy, said: “This is a difficult day for trans-Atlantic trade and plunges businesses, in both the US and UK, into a new age of uncertainty. “Products made with UK steel and aluminium play an important part in many supply chains in the US. Both sides will now be facing up to negotiations on how the burden of these new tariffs will affect businesses in both countries. “Despite this action, UK firms will want to keep trading with their customers and clients in the US and vice versa. Our commercial, investment and trading relationships remain strong. “Tariffs mean prices and costs will inevitably go up and this is a lose-lose scenario for consumers, businesses, and economic growth. More tariffs are also on the agenda for the start of next month which will add fresh uncertainty into the mix. “BCC research shows that 63% of our manufacturing exporters were concerned about the impact of tariffs before their introduction. “But today’s setback does not mean we have reached the end of the road in terms of negotiations. Tariffs can be lifted at any time. “Businesses will be looking to the UK government to continue dialogue, with the US, to resolve this situation and restore certainty for firms, which has been badly lacking over recent weeks. “Against this background, a series of tit-for-tat tariffs could easily spiral into an all-out trade war and would do the UK little benefit. “We must keep talks alive and retaliatory tariffs should only be used as a means of last resort. “If talks succeed, it would be a win-win, bringing welcome stability and pro-growth economic conditions for both sides.”

Fiona Parsons

13 March, 2025

Business West

Unlocking Global Markets: 5 Ways Business West Can Help

International growth is crucial for supporting the local economy. Since April 2022, our team has provided expert advice on internationalisation, facilitating strategic partnerships between 116 SMEs in the South West and businesses across 62 countries. This has been achieved through our international contracts, including the Enterprise Europe Network, and our collaboration with the wider International Chambers of Commerce.

Tara Gillam

13 March, 2025

Business West

West of England Metro Mayor candidates outline their vision for the region

Last week, Business West’s Bristol Initiative hosted a Hustings for the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority election, bringing together candidates from the four major political parties that have been announced. Held at the office of Initiative Member Burges Salmon in Bristol, our event provided a platform for business leaders to hear directly from the candidates about their plans to drive economic growth, address regional challenges, and elevate the West of England’s profile on the national and international stage.

Victoria Matthews

11 March, 2025

Business West

Devolution and Growth: “What does our region actually want?”

Last week the Bristol Initiative and Futures West hosted a Devolution and Growth event at Bristol’s Engine Shed, which featured keynote speeches from Andrew Carter, Chief Executive at Centre for Cities, and Stephen Peacock, Chief Executive of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. The event also featured a panel debate with experts across housing, skills, transport and policy.

Victoria Matthews

5 March, 2025

Business West

National Insurance Creating ‘Powder Keg’ of Costs 

82% of firms surveyed say the National Insurance (NI) rise will impact their business Most responding businesses say the increase in NI will impact recruitment (58%) and prices (54%) Over three quarters (79%) of businesses do not feel the government has properly assessed the impact of its new policies The majority of firms (77%) are worried about the speed policy changes are being made 55% of firms say plans to change statutory sick pay will impact either their investment, recruitment, prices or day to day operations. The overwhelming majority of businesses say the rise in employer National Insurance contributions will force them to change their plans, according to new research by the BCC Insight’s Unit, in partnership with professional services firm AAB.

Susie Parker

26 February, 2025

Business West