Firms facing fresh import and export controls in April eligible for £2,000 government grant

16th March 2021

New controls on imports and exports are due to come into effect at the UK border this April and July, as the government begins to ramp up implementation of its post-Brexit Border Operating Model. 

To ready themselves for these changes, businesses can now apply for grants of up to £2,000 from the government to pay for practical customs training, advice and support delivered by international trade experts, Business West.

Businesses can now apply for a share of the £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund through PWC on behalf of HMRC, and secure their spot at an upcoming Business West training course today. 

Catherine Stephens, Head of International Trade Services at Business West said:

“The government grant funding to help businesses access fundamental import and export support comes at a welcome time for companies.  

“Companies must act now if they are uncertain about any of the new regulations. I strongly encourage these firms, both big and small, to apply for the funding, whether they are trading for the first time or if they just need to brush up on their knowledge. 

“If firms are not ready for the changes come April, this could cause potential delays and incur avoidable costs for businesses. 

“Our expert team with years of experience in international trade will ensure they are prepared for the changes in April.”

Nicholas Hythe Kitchen Design Studio, bespoke kitchen designer based in St Ives near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, imports from the EU and has faced challenges with Incoterms.

Ross Halliday, Director of the company has worked with Business West to better understand these. Commenting on the support received he said:

“We engaged with Business West pre-COVID. Catherine Stephens who has been our contact there has been endlessly patient. Catherine gave us information to help us shape our strategy and understand the pros and cons of what we were looking for in terms of Incoterms.

“We could not have done what we have done thus far without your support.”

Limited spaces are available on the courses, so an early application for grant funding is advised. A full list of the courses can be accessed here, with prices starting from £165 + VAT. Courses include:

•Incoterms Rules – The Incoterms Rules are an essential business tool for export import because they define the risk and cost responsibilities of each party – 6th May 2021

•Understanding Export – An introduction to the terminology and procedures used in the exporting process, examining responsibilities and obligations of all parties - 24th May 2021.

•Rules of Origin and Preference – A seminar offering a detailed examination of the current preference and non-preference rules of origin and their implications – 11th May 2021. 

•Export Documentation – This seminar will examine all aspects of export documentation and will seek to establish best practice, to ensure customs compliance – 8th March & 21st June 2021.

•Customs Declaration Training – Our customs declaration training will highlight what you need to accurately complete a Customs Declaration – 8th & 28th April, 12th & 20th May, 10th & 17th June. Register your interest here.

  • Get trained on Customs Declarations

    Since 1 January 2021, businesses trading with the EU have needed skilled staff to complete customs declarations. Our training will highlight all you need to know to be able to accurately complete a simple customs declaration and continue trading effectively and efficiently with the EU.

Do you want to join the conversation?

Sign up here
  • Learn more about trading internationally

    Our training workshops are designed to provide you with the essential skills you need to understand the exporting and importing process. We run courses that look in depth at export and import terminology and help you understand the paperwork as well as explain the process of importing, commodity codes and customs declarations.