BCC: Business Welcomes Export Support Package Amid Global Uncertainty  

Responding to the announcements from the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary to support UK exporters, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said: 

“The BCC called last week for enhanced credit and financial support through UK Export Finance and the British Business Bank to cushion the effects upon UK exporting firms. Traders will welcome news that the Chancellor and Business and Trade Secretary have responded positively to the actions we proposed to help thousands of UK firms who export to the Unites States. 

“Increasing the credit capacity of UK Export Finance by up to £20bn and loan facilities of up to £2million through the British Business Bank Growth Guarantee Scheme will provide much needed cashflow support now for exporting firms affected by the impact of new tariffs. We also welcome that £10bn of the greatly increased UK Export Finance lending capacity will specifically support firms experiencing financial pressures right now. 

“In our survey of more than 600 businesses last week, the clear message from firms is that negotiation not retaliation is the best way forward. Firms also told us they want government to get tariff relief in terms of our trade with the US, remove unnecessary trade barriers in our trade relationship with the EU, and to work with our partners in the Indo-Pacific region to expand opportunities for UK trade and investment. 

“A calm, clear headed approach by government to trade negotiations together with a strong package of increasing the finance available to affected firms is the way forward. That will back the resilience UK exporters are showing in these uncertain times in global trade.” 

Source: British Chambers of Commerce

On Thursday 20 March 2025 the Driving International Trade Conference 2025 brought together the most influential minds in global trade right in the heart of Central London. 

With speakers including the Rt Hon David Lammy MP, the Foreign Secretary, Baroness Poppy Gustaffson CBE, the Minister for Investment, international trade experts and senior business leaders, the conference offered a platform for 300 forward-thinking leaders looking to accelerate their international footprint.

The  conference featured key panel discussions, fireside chats, keynote addresses and breakout sessions. Highlights included:

International Reception Keynote by the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), John WH Denton AO. 

Keynote address by the Minister for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE.

Panel discussions – opportunities across key regions such as Germany, India, Türkiye, Australia and Egypt.

Project Showcases – in key strategic markets such as Hong Kong, Dubai Aviation Engineering Project, Serbia and Slovenia.

Interactive Breakout Sessions – including ‘How to navigate the Local Business Environment in Strategic Markets’ and ‘Transforming Trade with Corridors, Markets, and Technology’, ‘Unlocking Global Supply Chain Opportunities for UK Companies’ and ‘Unlocking Transatlantic Growth – Trade & Investment Opportunities in the USA’.

Highlights Video:

Source: British Chambers of Commerce

Reacting to the latest inflation data, published by the ONS this morning, David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

“Today’s data showing the CPI rate slowed to 2.8% in February is good news, but it’s too early to be certain on the direction of travel. 

“Volatility will be a key feature for the next few months. SMEs are battling shocks from both home and abroad in the form of domestic tax increases and a looming global tariff war.  

“Many firms tell us they will have to raise prices and rethink recruitment when NICs and NLW increases kick in next month. Investment is also likely to suffer until greater certainty emerges. 

“Our latest forecast expects inflation to remain elevated over the coming months, staying above the Bank of England’s target. 

“As the Chancellor prepares to deliver her Spring Statement this lunchtime, firms are under no illusion about the challenges they are facing right now.  

“If the inflation rate continues to go into the right direction, further interest rate cuts could follow, which will be greatly welcomed by SMEs looking for respite on borrowing costs. But SMEs are facing a major squeeze right now and they urgently need the Chancellor to provide clarity and a sense of direction in today’s statement.” 

Source: British Chambers of Commerce

Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status. Here’s everything you need to know.

Eligible Europeans can now apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

Eligible non-Europeans already need an ETA to travel to the UK.

An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK.

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Visitors should apply in advance and find out when to do so on GOV.UK.

An ETA currently costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

From 9 April 2025 an ETA will cost £16. 

The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.

How do people apply for an ETA? 

• Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK is available on GOV.UK
• The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store. People can apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
• Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Most applicants currently get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app, which means spontaneous trips to the UK are still possible.
• Visitors are advised to allow three working days for a decision on their application, but this is to take account of the small number of cases which need further review. Visitors should apply in advance and find out when to do so on GOV.UK. 
• To apply for an ETA, applicants need to:
  • Pay a fee 
  • Provide contact and passport details 
  • Provide a valid photo, complying with our rules for digital photos on GOV.UK 
  • Answer a set of questions 

People must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA.

For more information regarding ETA, please click here.

Reacting to the introduction of 25 percent tariffs on exports of UK steel and aluminium to the United States, William Bain, 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.” 

Source: British Chambers of Commerce

The survey is available from the following link.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, the French – Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, together with its partners from Ipsos and NAOS and with the support of the Embassy of France in Bulgaria, is organizing a survey aimed at promoting the professional development of women in various industries in Bulgaria, by examining the opportunities and challenges for career development, employer-employee relations, relations with business partners, promoting talent within the organization, and balancing work and personal life.

The study will focus on the needs of working-age women in the country, it will measure the forms of discrimination against them, identify obstacles to more active participation in economic life and the barriers that women face in their career development and will gather practical ideas on what businesses can do to ensure gender equality, supporting women in their search for work-life balance. The results of the study will also serve as a basis for future discussions on options for legislative changes that would further promote gender equality.

Responses will be completely anonymous, allowing participants to share their views on various aspects of professional growth, workplace culture and relationships, and personal experiences.

Presentation of the report: April 23, 2025 at a Press Conference at the Embassy of France.

We would be extremely grateful if you would give your consent for transmission of the Survey, so that is may reach all working women in every member company and partner enterprise of your organization.

The survey is available from the following link.

Please when transmitting the link do not modify it covering it with words like for example „HERE“ as it may not be accessible for every user.

Hoping that this request will receive your approval, I remain fully available for any further information and thank you in advance for your attention. Please reply to me directly in order to overload the mail boxes of all colleagues.

The UK is introducing an electronic travel permit. It comes into effect on April 2, but applications can be submitted already. What is changing and for whom, see in the interview by Iva Stoykova (BNT), here.

To apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) click here.

West Midlands Growth Company, the strategic economic development agency for the West Midlands region in the United Kingdom, is promoting the Global Growth Programme—a unique, fully funded UK market entry initiative. Designed to support international tech companies in investing, establishing, and scaling quickly, the programme spans multiple industries and offers a tailored nine-month support package for ambitious businesses at all stages of development. 

The Global Growth Programme provides three layers of comprehensive value for innovative companies that includes bespoke business support to assist international expansion, access to sector specific innovation programmes, and nine months of sponsored workspace for up to three employees in one of six world-class innovation hubs across the region.

If you would like to connect with a team member at WMGC, please email Jordana.ellis@wmgrowth.com for more information.

Rochester Group have prepared a new set of facts and figures on the UK market.

Find the full document attached below.

The Recursive invites you to contribute to an important research initiative on High-Net-Worth-Individuals (HNWIs) and investment portfolio management trends in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).

The Recursive has partnered with the Money In Motion research project, aiming to gather insights from key stakeholders in the CEE investment ecosystem. 

By taking the Money In Motion survey and sharing your perspective you will help build a clearer picture of how wealth is managed and invested in the region.

These are the final days to take part in the Money In Motion (MIM) Survey — a regional research initiative exploring how high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) invest and move their wealth across CEE.

🕛 The survey closes at 00:00 on March 31 – don’t miss the chance to share your perspective. It takes approximately 10 minutes, and all responses are strictly confidential.

▶︎ Click Here to Take the Survey

The MIM Survey is supported by leading partners such as ROCA X, VERTIK Group, BSE, FBN Bulgaria and Hungary, Endeavor Greece, Poland and Bulgaria, CEE Wealth Summit, BAC, BVCA, Growceanu, 0100 Emerging Europe, and Money Motion. 

For any questions or partnership interest, contact:
📩 Dilyana Haralanova – dilyana@therecursive.com