Navigating skills and workforce development with Business West

Whether you're looking to upskill your existing staff, recruit new people with the right skills and knowledge, create a workforce development plan or find out more about apprenticeships, Business West can help your business to navigate the skills landscape.

Customs Update: Spring 2025 Edition

ENS For EU Imports Since 31st January, freight coming to the UK from the EU has been subject to Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for safety and security. These are datasets of information required by HMRC before the goods arrive at the UK border in addition to the full import declarations already required. The process is in place as the UK is a signatory to the WCO (World Customs Organisation) SAFE Framework of Standards, which aims to uphold modern supply chain security standards. The system that handles these declarations is called S&S GB. This system has no user interface, so traders need to purchase software compatible with it. The responsibility for completing the ENS declaration lies with the carrier/haulier; however, the importer can arrange for it to be completed themselves with the carrier’s agreement. At ChamberCustoms we have successfully been fulfilling this requirement for regular shipments from EU countries.

BCC Press Release: Extent of US tariff impact revealed 

Swindon Mindful Employer Network Event Recap: Managing Stress & Wellbeing

We were pleased to welcome attendees to our first Mindful Employer Network event this week - a collaboration between Swindon Borough Council, Business West, and Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind. With Mental Health Awareness Week approaching in May, the focus on workplace stress was particularly timely.

Spotlight On Neil Priscott, CEO of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club

Occasionally we like to shine the spotlight on our members, and in this case one of the members of the Bristol Initiative. We sat down with Neil Priscott, CEO of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club to talk about their work and their relationship with the Bristol Initiative.

What do US Tariffs mean for UK exporters – and where else can you trade?

After weeks of speculation, UK exporters finally have clarity: a blanket 10% tariff will now apply to many goods heading to the United States. While some businesses may feel relieved to have a clear figure to work with, the broader impact is significant. According to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the new tariffs, including the previously announced 25% duties on steel, aluminium, cars, and other automotives, could affect up to £6 billion worth of UK-US trade and dampen the UK’s wider economic growth. So, where do UK exporters go from here? One thing is clear: building long-term trade relationships under unpredictable conditions is a major challenge. Trade wars help no one, and uncertainty around potential UK or EU retaliation only adds to the unease.

BCC Press Release: US Tariffs To Hit UK Economy

Reacting to news of a 10% tariff on all UK exports to the US and higher tariffs for other countries, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “The Government has kept a cool head so far and must continue to negotiate. This is a marathon not a sprint, and getting the best deal for the UK is what matters most. “But no-one will escape the fallout from these decisions, there will be an increased risk of trade diversion, and it will wreak havoc on businesses communities across the world. “Orders will drop, prices will rise, and global economic demand will be weaker as a result. This is a lose-lose situation for everyone. “So, it is vitally important that the government does not give up on negotiations. Tariffs can be lifted at any time and the US has signalled its willingness to do some form of deal with us. “The UK is not without influence, our bilateral trade with the US is worth £300bn, we have £500bn invested there and it has £700bn tied up in our economy. There is a high-level of co-dependency and we are speaking to businesses across the UK on options for government to consider. “There are no winners in the current scenario, negotiations will take time and will inevitably involve compromise. Any decisions on taxes will need to be taken very carefully, and the government must consider all its fiscal options. “It should keep everything on the table during talks, but retaliatory tariffs should only be a last resort. “Many firms, especially SMEs, will now be facing difficult decisions and we urge government to do all it can to provide practical support to them. “We would advise businesses to immediately start negotiations with their US customers on managing the impact of these tariffs - depending on their contracts, there may be deals to be done. In the long-term exploring replacement markets, especially the EU, CPTPP countries or other trade deals, due to be made later this year, will be options. “Support may also be available from the British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee scheme which can offer financial support to firms with cashflow issues.”

A look back at our Local Skills Improvement Fund Site Visits

The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team recently visited several colleges across Gloucestershire to see the impressive facilities funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) and the Skills Development Fund (SDF).

Springing Ahead with ATA Carnet Progress

As spring unfolds, it's the perfect time to reflect on recent milestones and exciting developments in our ATA Carnet services – particularly in the drive towards digital transformation. Record-Breaking February February 2025 marked the busiest February on record for our ATA Carnet service. This surge in carnet issuances and transactions highlights the increasing reliance of UK businesses on the ATA Carnet scheme as a trusted tool for the temporary, duty- and tax-free movement of goods.