Comprising a modular-style series of courses, the new qualification improves access to quality training that met the needs of exporters and provided employees with consistent content and a transferable skillset. Developed by the British Chambers of Commerce and now being delivered by Chambers across the UK, some of the first delegates to complete the course are from Cambridgeshire.
Stacy Garner from International Flavours & Fragrances in Haverhill was one of six delegates to recently complete the new qualification at the Chambers’ Cambridge office and was presented with her certificate at a meeting of Cambridgeshire Export Club.
John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Many people will be unaware that Chambers across the UK play a key role in facilitating the movement of goods overseas, processing the required documentation to demonstrate the origin of goods and also providing many importers and exporters with the necessary translation services and training needed to negotiate the legal requirements of individual countries. By providing the nationally-accredited Foundation Award in International Trade we are able to help companies expanding their business overseas to ensure key personnel have a clear understanding of the requirements and responsibilities of the business.”
Official figures show that businesses in our region continue to embrace new business opportunities overseas, with the UK Trade report from the Office for National Statistics recording an increase in exports worth over £100million in May 2014. The same figures also show that market reach is extending further than just the EU, with exports to non-EU countries increasing by some 1.5%.
Each month Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce processes over 1000 documents required to send shipments of goods overseas, and that number is growing. In July 2014 the Chamber put its stamp to over 1100 documents with a total export value of over £29million. The countries providing the most opportunity for growth were Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, accounting for almost half of the exports made in July with documents it processed. The buoyant market in these three countries in particular is providing considerable growth opportunities for businesses across our region.
Course tutor Margaret Chadwick said: “It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to encourage delegates on their journey through the material and to see them emerge with greater understanding and knowledge. I am certain that the skills learnt will assist them in their chosen career paths.”
Photo: Paul Wrighting, Corporate Services and Training Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, John Bridge OBE and course tutor Margaret Chadwick present Stacy Garner with her certificate after she completed the Foundation Award in International Trade.
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