KIB Newsletter December 2021
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International Trade Webinars & Online Events – diary dates:
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- DIT, Explore New Markets: Doing Business in Chile, 2 December. Click here for more information
- DIT, Explore New Markets: Doing Business in Mexico, 8 December. Click here for more information
- IMPULS, How to access the French Healthcare market, 8 December. Click here for more information
- DIT, The Internationalisation Fund: Co-Investment Funding for SMEs, 9 December. Click here for more information
- DIT, The Internationalisation Fund: Co-Investment Funding for SMEs, 20 January. Click here for more information
- SEED, Life Science Briefing on the Irish Market, 15 December – please contact us for details.
SEED Project Update – Ireland, Malaysia, UAE, Vietnam & The Philippines
The SE Export Development project which is being led by Kent County Council and Kent Invicta Chamber along with counterparts in Essex, Medway and East Sussex, is helping small businesses to get into overseas markets.
We are continuing to invite companies to sign up for our programmes of activity focusing on the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and the Philippine’s (food & drink), as well as Ireland and Malaysia (health & life sciences).
Plans are well underway for the first market-specific programmes of activity starting in December 2021: Ireland for Health & Life Sciences and UAE & Vietnam for Food & Drink and will include market briefings and insight, 121 support from ‘in-market’ specialists, and meetings with in-market contacts as part of our virtual trade missions.
If these are of interest or you’re not sure, why not take a look at the Country Guides produced by the Department for International Trade:
- Please click here to visit the Ireland Country Guide
- Please click here to visit the United Arab Emirates Country Guide
- Please click here to visit the Vietnam Country Guide
- Please click here to visit the Malaysia Country Guide
- Please click here to visit the Philippines Country Guide
If you’re interested in participating in the SEED project, click here to contact us or click here to download our Expression of Interest form on this page and return to us.
IMPULS Autumn Event Schedule
As part of the IMPULS project and to foster easier connections between the UK & France, IMPULS can offer FREE attendance for the following virtual life science events taking place this Autumn:
French Healthcare system and Market Access – webinar 8 December
This webinar aims to introduce the French healthcare system and offer helpful knowledge and advice about the French market for foreign healthcare companies:
- Get an overview of the French healthcare system and its main providers
- Understand the market and how to become a supplier
- Understand the place of health technologies and drivers of the market
For more information and to register please click here
A full events and webinar schedule for 2022 will be released soon!
Webinar topics will include:
- Innovating to respond to the new normal in the healthcare sector in France, England and internationally
- Internationalisation in an uncertain climate
- Preparing for virtual trade fairs
- Pitching your business online
If you are interested in finding out more about the IMPULS project, please fill out an expression of interest form (if new to the IMPULS project) or email us at international.affairs@kent.gov.uk and we will contact you with further details: To access the expression of interest form in English please click on this link
Boost4Health Vouchers
- B4H vouchers will only be available until April 2022
- Only 6 vouchers remaining for Health & Life Science SMEs in Kent
Apply for a Boost4Health Vouchers (max. value €1,500)
What’s on offer?
- Hire a consultant in another European country, to carry out lead generation / customer identification activities abroad.
- Feasibility studies for market suitability / insight / routes to market in mainland Europe.
- Hire a consultant / agency, to carry product or marketing material localization activities abroad.
- Organise digital market insight / compliance training sessions
Please click here to apply for a Support Voucher
Apply for a Boost4Health Connection Voucher (max. value €500):
Kent Life Science companies who are keen to attend events hosted across North West Europe can apply for a €500 Boost4Health Connection Voucher.
What’s on offer?
- Cover fees for online events and other relevant services to the event special sessions, costs for promotion, matchmaking apps) or for internationalisation purposes
- Cover travel and accommodation costs to attend events across North West Europe in person
Keep your business moving. Get ahead of new rules for doing business with the EU
On 1 January 2022, there will be changes for businesses in Great Britain which import from or sell goods to the EU.
If you sell goods to the EU, or buy goods from the EU and bring them into the UK, and they meet the rules of origin requirements, you will be able to use preferential tariffs.
To benefit from the preferential tariffs, you must have proof that:
● goods you import into the UK from the EU originate there
● goods you export to the EU originate in the UK
Throughout 2021, businesses have been allowed to export goods to the EU using reduced tariffs and get supplier declarations afterwards, to provide more time.
From 1 January 2022, businesses must have supplier declarations (where required) at the time of export goods. If businesses cannot prove the origin of the products being exported, the full rate of customs duty will be charged.
Click here to find out more information to prepare for the changes to Rules of Origin.
Click here to contact the Export Support Service for practical support with exporting your products.
Find out what you need to do:
From 1 January 2022, hauliers must be registered for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) to move any goods between GB and the EU.
The GVMS system has been designed to enable fast and efficient movement of goods and will be used by many UK ports.
Click here to view the full list of GVMS ports.
If hauliers are not registered, they will not be able to board the ferry or shuttle and cross the GB/EU border. Don’t get stuck. Sign up today! Click here to sign up.
New Government Export Strategy
The Government (including the Department for International Trade – DIT) has published a new 12-point Export Strategy. It aims to give businesses the tools they need for the UK to become a nation of exporters, helping businesses hit £1 trillion in exports. The UK currently exports £600 billion in goods and services, but only 1 in 10 companies export.
DIT will work hand-in-hand with partners and business to help them succeed in the global marketplace through a first-class export support framework including:
- The Export Support Service, a single point of contact for exporters to Europe.
- Expanding the UK Export Academy for SMEs in all parts of the UK.
- A new UK Tradeshow Programme, to give UK companies a leg-up to exhibit at the world’s biggest tradeshows.
- The new ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign, promoting the best of British goods and services.
Medfit Digital, 7-9 December 2021
With 700 international participants from 25+ countries, MedFIT is your opportunity to connect with international key innovators in the MedTech, diagnostic and digital health sectors.
As the leading European partnering event, MedFIT provides the ideal environment to help industry players to source early-stage assets, to facilitate the emergence of collaborative projects between big players, public research institutions, start-ups and SMEs, to increase licensing opportunities, to obtain funding and to facilitate market access.
Click here to visit the Medfit website to find out more information.
Biofit Digital, 7-9 December 2021
With the highest attending rate of academics, TTOs and research institutions, BioFIT is the place where academia-industry collaborations get started. BioFIT has taken on a whole new dimension becoming the meeting point in Europe for tech transfer and for sourcing early-stage innovations stemming from public research institutions, academic spin-offs and emerging biotech companies. Together with big pharma, biotech and diagnostic companies, BioFIT operates as a platform to build partnerships for all public and private actors. BioFIT is also the European marketplace for pre-seed, seed and Series A investment in Life Sciences.
Click here to visit the Biofit Digital website to find out more information.
Kent based SMEs can get a discount of 20% on all registration fees – please contact us for details!
Trade Finance – Flexible working capital for UK Exporters
Newable has been working with UK Export Finance to launch a new Export Finance product targeted at smaller SMEs. The partnership with UKEF, will see Newable become the first non-bank lender to be accredited under the scheme.
These are unsecured, low interest rate loans up to £150K aimed at enabling a broader range of exporting SMEs to access additional working capital to help them scale – especially those in the service, technology and software industries.
Click here to find out more information about Newable and find an online enquiry form.
Arab Health 2022
Would you like a Virtual Presence at Arab Health 2022? Through our IMPULS project we’re able to offer a few Kent companies a virtual exhibition space (deadline 3 December!)
About Arab Health
- From state-of-the-art imaging equipment to the most cost-effective disposables; developments in surgery to advances in prosthetics, Arab Health is at the heart of healthcare in the Middle East.
- Arab Health 2022 will bring together representatives of the global healthcare industry online and at the Dubai World Trade Centre and through a virtual programme of meetings and activities.
- The show allows companies to make key international business contacts by using multiple channels to connect you to the global healthcare industry.
Dates and What to Expect
- Exhibit your online Arab Health Profile FREE of CHARGE between 5 Jan – 28 Feb 2022
- Receive an online exhibitor profile to communicate and arrange online meetings with other exhibitors and visitors for 3 months
- Hands on support from an Arab Health account manager in setting up and making the most of your profile.
Why participate in Arab Health online?
- Seek new contacts for future business
- Look for a local or regional dealer & distributor
- Strengthen relationships with existing clients & partners
- Discuss products & services with end-users
- Raise company profile on an international scale
Deadline is 3 December 2021
Interested?
- Please email emma.watson@kent.gov.uk Emma Watson, Project Officer IMPULS Project explaining why participating in Arab Health would help your business
- Click here to visit the Kent International Business website to find out more about IMPULS and download an expression of interest form
- Click here to visit the Arab Health website to find out more about Arab Health 2022
Kent Invicta Chamber Annual Business Awards
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards 2020/21 announced in November!
In particular we’d like to say a huge well done to the winner and finalists for the Success in International Trade Category:
UK Export Academy
This free programme from DIT will help you start or grow your international sales.
The UK Export Academy, from the Department for International Trade (DIT), gives small and micro-businesses the know-how to sell to customers around the world with confidence.
It’s applicable to a wide range of businesses, whether you want to start exporting, or you’re aiming to enter new markets, they will help you overcome many of the common challenges that small businesses can face.
The programme is designed for owners and senior managers of businesses looking to grow internationally and located in the UK.
You’ll will have the chance to find out more about the support that’s available from DIT and its local trade offices, including the chance to join future trade missions and access grants and funding.
Click here to find out more information and to register.
If you have any questions, you can call DIT on 0300 365 0114 or email exportacademy@mobile.trade.gov.uk.
Government webinars for Organisations that trade with the EU
The UK government website currently has a list of forthcoming webinars to help businesses that trade with the EU.
And finally, who can help with my export-related enquiry?
As businesses continue to face many export-related challenges at the moment and a number of support services are available, this short guide lets you know who it’s best to contact to help with you queries.
An overview of the different export-support providers:
There are a number of key organisations involved in providing direct support and advice to Kent businesses with international trade under the ‘Kent International Business’ (KIB) umbrella including:
- The Department for International Trade
- Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
- The Enterprise Europe Network team at the University of Greenwich
- Kent County Council’s Trade Development team
Find out more on the KIB website:
https://www.kentinternationalbusiness.co.uk/support/
https://www.kentinternationalbusiness.co.uk/home/kent-export-pathway/
General international trade advice and signposting:
The Kent & Medway Growth Hub Helpline is the one-stop shop for business advice and guidance. The team of advisors can help with enquiries ranging from starting a business to dealing with export paperwork. The team has access to specialist advisors with experience in international trade. https://www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk/ 03333 602 300
General Export Enquiries (market and sector-specific):
Businesses can also contact the Department for International Trade (DIT) South East’s enquiry hub via 0330 300 0012 or info@tradesoutheast.com for help with general export enquiries and referrals to complementary DIT local and national programmes. DIT also has a number specialist International Trade Advisors available to help Kent businesses with exporting.
Specific EU trade-related queries:
The Government has recently launched a dedicated hotline and online service for UK exporters with specific queries relating to trade with the EU which can be accessed via https://www.gov.uk/ask-export-support-team. The hotline is designed to bring together expertise and advice from different government departments including DIT, DEFRA and BEIS.
Help with Export Documentation & Customs:
Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce has a specialist team who can help businesses with the paperwork required to export goods from the UK. https://www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/our-services/international-export-bcc-accredited/
EU Partnerships & Collaborations:
The Innovate UK Edge team at the University of Greenwich is still part of Enterprise Europe Network and can provide assistance to firms with contact finding in EU markets and access to innovation funding. https://enterprise.gre.ac.uk/funding-and-support/enterprise-europe-network
Trading Goods with the EU:
Kent County Council’s website has a range of information about doing business with the EU including details on import and export guidance and rules. https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/brexit/brexit-advice-for-businesses/trading-goods-with-the-eu