Chamber network expands to help businesses through Brexit

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Europe (COBCOE) have announced an agreement that will see 24 additional British Chambers across Europe become part of the BCC’s Global Business Network.

The agreement means that the BCC Global Business Network now includes 49 British Chambers around the world – doubling the strength of the network in markets worldwide.

The move creates new connections and support for both UK and European businesses, at precisely the time they need them most.

With the nature of the UK’s future relationship with the EU still uncertain, the British Chambers of Commerce and COBCOE have taken a strategic decision to bring their networks together – ensuring that firms have a front door not just in every region and nation of the UK, but in major capitals and commercial centres across the European continent as well.

Thanks to the move – led by BCC President Francis Martin and the COBCOE Board – both UK firms and European firms will be able to harness opportunities for trade and access practical advice, support and connections to keep trading across borders, regardless of political change.

Francis Martin, president of BCC, said: “We are delighted to welcome so many new members from across Europe into BCC’s global business network.

“Our Global Business Network supports two-way international trade and provides practical solutions to trading challenges. Expanding BCC’s membership to include overseas British Chambers across Europe means that we will now be able to assist businesses practical support, advice and connections in almost 50 countries all around the world.

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber added: “This initiative is good news for the county’s business base as it significantly expands our organisation’s reach and practical, real-world support for trade between this country and the rest of Europe.

“This is especially relevant given Suffolk’s strong international connections via our three major ports and proximity to key airports.”

Suffolk Chamber is hosting a delegation from the British Chambers of Commerce in Russia in the county on 19 June. The aim of this initial meeting is to outline areas of future collaboration and will bring together both existing and potential Suffolk-based exporters.

The full list of participating chambers in the Global Business Network can be found here: https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/global-business-network

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