Tag: Business and Trade Department

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 18 July 2023.

The UK and Turkey agree to start talks on a new, modernised free trade deal.

The UK and Turkey have today [18 July] announced plans to begin talks on an updated free trade agreement (FTA).

The deal would replace the existing UK-Turkey FTA, which was rolled over from when the UK left the European Union and doesn’t cover key areas of the UK economy like services, digital and data. The UK is the second biggest services exporter in the world – behind only the US, and the services sector contributes around 80% of the UK’s GDP.

A new deal could boost trade and help UK companies maximise opportunities in this area, driving economic growth – one of the Prime Minister’s priorities.

The announcement follows a call between UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch and Turkish Minister for Trade Ömer Bolat last week, where they committed to negotiating a new deal and deepening the trade relationship between the two countries.

The UK-Turkey Joint Committee consisting of the UK’s Chief Negotiator and officials from both sides – responsible for overseeing implementation of the current agreement – will meet today in Ankara, Turkey’s capital city to formally conclude the review of the current agreement and move towards renegotiation of the Free Trade Agreement.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

Turkey is an important trading partner for the UK and this deal is the latest example of how we are using our status as an independent trading nation post-Brexit to negotiate deals that are tailored to the UK’s economic strengths.

I look forward to using the deal to deepen the UK-Turkey trading relationship, drive economic growth and support businesses up and down the country.

Turkey presents huge opportunities for British businesses, with UK companies already exporting to its growing market of 85 million people.

The new FTA is an opportunity to strike a 21st century deal that is better suited to the modern economies of both the UK and Turkey, covering areas such as digital trade and services.

It would build on an already thriving trading relationship which reached £23.5 billion in 2022 – up more than 30% from the previous year – and better support UK businesses exporting or looking to export to the country. A new FTA could also potentially lead to cheaper goods and more choice for UK consumers.

Later this month, Minister for Exports Lord Offord will be visiting Turkey where he will meet businesses and stakeholders to discuss with investment and export opportunities.

President of Airbus Türkiye, Simon Ward, said:

Airbus and Turkey have been long-term strategic partners for almost 40 years and Turkey is a partner on all Airbus aircraft programmes, including the prestigious A350.

Greater alignment on cross-border trade will improve competitiveness and provide opportunities for businesses across numerous sectors.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 July 2023.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has formally signed the treaty to accede to the CPTPP trade group in New Zealand this morning.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 12 July 2023.

Minister for International Trade Nigel Huddleston welcomed the First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott and other key officials to celebrate the enduring partnership between the UK and Texas and discuss ways to bolster their strong economic relationship.

Minister Huddleston was pleased to welcome the First Lady of Texas, Cecilia Abbott, Texas Secretary of State, Jane Nelson, Vice Chair of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, Arun Agarwal and Executive Director of Texas Economic Development and Tourism, Adriana Cruz to the United Kingdom today, 11th July.

Minister Huddleston, the First Lady, Secretary Nelson, Vice Chair Agarwal and Executive Director Cruz celebrated the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and Texas, highlighting their longstanding, successful economic ties:

• The UK leads all nations for the number of foreign direct investment projects in Texas and is Texas’ ninth-largest trading partner (2022).
• Texas goods and services exports to the UK amounted to $15.8bn/ £12.8bn in 2022.
• UK goods exports to Texas amounted to $5.4bn/ £4.4bn in 2022.
• In the last decade, UK companies have made $5.6bn/ £4.4bn in capital investment through 337 projects in Texas, creating more than 15,100 jobs.

In the spirit of joint economic development and cooperation, Minister Huddleston and Executive Director Cruz agreed to accelerate discussions on the terms of a Statement of Mutual Cooperation (SMC) to strengthen trade and economic development ties between the United Kingdom and the State of Texas. This future-facing agreement, focused on the unique, diverse challenges of the 21st century, will aim to increase transatlantic trade and investment opportunities for companies both in the United Kingdom and Texas and build upon the strong existing trading relationship.

It is envisaged that the SMC will create a forum to identify and address any existing market access barriers for UK and Texas businesses, promote job creation, and focus on innovation, emerging technologies, and advancing shared policy goals, and more.

This SMC will seek to put in place arrangements for the Government of the United Kingdom and the State of Texas to ensure their trade and economic relationship continues to deliver benefits for the respective citizens of both parties.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 5 July 2023.

Minister Ghani has announced £12 million of funding for a cutting-edge new aerospace R&D project at Airbus Filton which will support local jobs.

• £12 million government-backed funding for groundbreaking aerospace R&D project at Airbus Filton set to upskill local staff – furthering one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities to grow the economy.
• Combined government and industry funding will develop new lower carbon aircraft wing technology – reducing CO2 emissions and fuel burn.
• Industry Minister announces package following visit to Airbus Filton to open new Wing Technology Development Centre to advance technology on next generation aircraft.

A new cutting-edge aerospace R&D project supporting highly-skilled jobs at Airbus Filton in the South West will benefit from £12 million in combined government and industry funding, Industry Minister Nusrat Ghani has announced today (5 July).

The project will develop new aircraft wing technology, in particular for longer aircraft wings, to reduce CO2 emissions from flights and will upskill local employees and apprentices in a range of roles, including technicians and engineers.

Longer wings make it easier for an aircraft to create lift without using as much fuel, helping to reduce CO2 emissions. The project will explore the technology for a folding mechanism for longer wings, so that they can be retracted and aircraft do not take up more space at airports as a result.

The funding will be delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme and was announced following Minister Ghani’s visit to Airbus Filton yesterday.

Minister Ghani also opened a new state-of-the-art Wing Technology Development Centre, which will house the next generation of aircraft wing technologies and production capabilities.

Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said:

Our world-class aerospace sector is helping us grow the economy and lead the way on greener air travel, and this new project at Airbus Filton will make sure the South West stays at the forefront of this innovation.

We’re backing our aerospace sector to soar, and projects like these are helping drive forward our goal of net zero air travel by 2050 and securing high-wage, high-skill jobs across the country in the process.

Around 2,700 staff work in high-skilled roles at Airbus Filton, which has established itself as the company’s lead UK site for civil aircraft R&D and develops some of the most exciting future technologies in aircraft wing design, fuel systems and landing gear.

The funding announced today builds on £218 million of support for cutting-edge UK aerospace research projects announced last month at the Paris Air Show, where Airbus also announced Indian airline IndiGo’s historic purchase of 500 Airbus A320-family aircraft.

This was the biggest single purchase by an airline in commercial aviation history and will be worth billions to the UK economy, with Airbus manufacturing almost all its aircraft wings in the UK.

The ATI funding announced also forms part of a joint commitment with industry to invest in new aircraft and manufacturing technologies set to help secure at least £20 billion of further private investment in the UK aerospace sector and support over 100,000 jobs across the country.

Yesterday, Minister Ghani also gave a keynote address at an event hosted by key suppliers to the UK aerospace industry and manufacturers of aircraft components, including GKN, Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems and many other smaller businesses.

In her speech, the Minister set out the Government’s commitment to backing more innovation and investment in UK aerospace to an audience of companies in the industry – including a range of aerospace SMEs – considering investing in the UK.

The event marked the first time that the UK’s leading manufacturers in the aerospace sector have come together to give a joint message on their plans for the future and ambitions to attract more investment into the UK.

Background:

• The Airbus-led project announced by Minister Ghani is named XWING BETA, and will use cutting-edge techniques and research to develop longer aircraft wing capabilities.
• The ATI Programme is a joint government and industry investment. Its purpose is to competitively offer funding for research and technology development in the UK, to maintain and grow the UK’s competitive position in civil aerospace and accelerate the transition to net zero aviation.
• The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has a well-developed approach to supporting the aerospace sector, including: £685 million of funding for the ATI Programme; the Aerospace Growth Partnership sector council which has developed the Destination Zero strategy for aerospace, a technology strategy developed by the ATI, and support for airline sales campaigns.
• Aircraft components are manufactured using advanced materials. The advanced materials industry contributes £14 billion to the UK economy annually. It is also crucial for achieving net zero targets, as innovation in advanced materials is hugely important for sustainable growth.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 20 June 2023.

Industry Minister Nusrat Ghani has announced more than £200 million in funding for cutting-edge UK aerospace projects at the 2023 Paris Air Show.

• Government announces £218 million of funding for groundbreaking R&D aerospace projects, supporting jobs and growth across the UK.
• Funding will help develop cutting-edge green aviation technology and grow UK’s share of the global aerospace market.
• Industry Minister announces package on first day of Paris Air Show – the world’s largest event for the civil aerospace sector.

Projects to help the UK lead the way on greener air travel and deliver on one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities to grow the economy, are to receive more than £200 million in funding, Industry Minister Nusrat Ghani has confirmed today [20 June].

A total of £218 million combined government and industry funding has been announced to develop new green innovative landing gear, and lower carbon and more efficient aircraft wings, engines and sensors.

The funding, being delivered through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme, will secure more high-skilled jobs and increase investment in aerospace technology across the UK.

The joint commitment with industry to invest in new aircraft and manufacturing technologies is set to help secure at least £20 billion of further private investment in aerospace in the UK and support over 100,000 jobs. This delivers on the Prime Minister’s commitment to grow the economy, creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.

Announcing the funding at the Paris Air Show, Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said:

We’re growing the economy and supporting high-skilled, high-wage careers across the UK by backing our world-leading sectors like aviation.

We want to achieve net zero air travel by 2050, and I want UK firms to lead the way developing the exciting technologies of the future. Backing our innovators will attract even more investment and create massive export opportunities for British firms.

Backed by the Government, the ATI funds world-class R&D in the UK aerospace sector, and this funding builds on £3.2 billion of ATI support from government and industry for the sector since 2013.

This support has backed over 300 innovative R&D projects and supported thousands of high-wage, green jobs, 90 percent of which are outside of London and the South East.

The cash injection will support ten groundbreaking new projects led by world-renowned companies including Airbus and Rolls-Royce. They will be delivered alongside over 40 UK-based partners, helping to develop greener, lower carbon and more efficient aircraft equipment such as engines, landing gear, wings and sensors.

Airbus UK Chairman and General Counsel John Harrison said:

The strong partnership we have with DBT and the ATI enables Airbus to develop new technologies that will help boost the skills we need to keep aerospace manufacturing in the UK.

Finding scalable solutions can’t be done alone so the ATI programme draws together UK industry leaders, academics and research organisations who are all making strides to bring our aircraft and industrial systems up to the level we need for a decarbonised future.

Alan Newby, Rolls-Royce Director Aerospace Technology and Future Programmes, said:

We greatly value the continued long-term partnership we have with both the Department for Business and Trade and the ATI, accelerating important research that improves our manufacturing processes and the performance of both our current and future products.

These projects will improve both our cost competitiveness and the product performance of our current and future engines, which is vital for meeting industry and Government Net Zero targets. This work will involve collaboration with a broad ecosystem of academic, research centres and SME partners across the UK that creates value across the country and helps us to reach our goals.

While at the Paris Air Show this week, Minister Ghani will be promoting the UK’s world-class aerospace sector – which contributed £10.9 billion to the economy in 2022 – to senior leaders of international companies, helping move towards the £20 billion investment commitment, and connecting UK firms at the show with international partners to boost export opportunities.

She will also encourage greater investment in the UK’s aerospace sector, promoting the ATI Programme – which has a budget of £685 million between 2022-2025 – and the UK sector’s world-class R&D offer on the global stage at the Air Show.

Gary Elliott, CEO of the Aerospace Technology Institute said:

The investment through the ATI Programme that the Minister has announced today will support a range of world-class research projects in technologies to improve the sustainability of aerospace, from new design processes to new materials.

The ATI is proud to join the Minister at the Paris Air Show to showcase the best of UK innovation and technology to a global audience.

Between 2014-2025, government and industry is expected to co-invest £4 billion in the aerospace sector, developing new ultra-efficient and zero emission aircraft technologies.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 June 2023.

Round ten of negotiations for a free trade agreement between the United Kingdom and the Republic of India.

On 9 June 2023, the United Kingdom and the Republic of India concluded the tenth round of talks for an UK-India FTA.

As with previous rounds, this was conducted in a hybrid fashion – a number of UK officials travelled to New Delhi for negotiations and others attended virtually.

Technical discussions were held across 10 policy areas over 50 separate sessions. They included detailed draft treaty text discussions in these policy areas.

The eleventh round of negotiations is due to take place in the coming month.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 19 June 2023.

There will be top-up payments to postmasters under the Historic Shortfall Scheme (HSS).

The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 16 June 2023.

The Department for Business and Trade recognises Honours awarded to thirty-six businesses leaders, exporters and innovators.

British business leaders, exporters and Department for Business and Trade staff are among the names being awarded for their exceptional service to business, trade, investment, and exports.

Those honoured have proudly flown the British flag and represent a diverse range of businesses and business leaders who have championed a range of our world-leading sectors.

Business leaders and volunteers recognised in the 2023 Birthday Honours list include:

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

• Ann Bentley, Global Board Member, Rider Levett Bucknall. For services to Construction.
• Michael Cherry, Lately Chair, Federation of Small Businesses. For services to Business and to International Trade.
• Damian Hopkins, Founder, The Radius Group. For services to the Retail Industry.
• Phillip O’Dell, Lately Director of Flight Operations and Chief Test Pilot, Rolls-Royce. For services to UK aviation.
• Gary Shaughnessy, Chair, Z Zurich Foundation and Parkinson’s UK. For services to Business and to Charity.
• Stephen Welton, Founder and Chair, BGF. For services to Small Businesses and to Entrepreneurship.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• Nicholas Baveystock DL, Director General and Secretary, Institution of Civil Engineers. For services to Engineering.
• Kevin Byrne, Founder, Checkatrade.com. For services to industry and Consumer Protection.
• Anuj Chande, Partner, Grant Thornton. For services to International Trade and Investment.
• Andrew Churchill FREng, Executive Chairman, JJ Churchill Ltd. For services to Engineering.
• Frances Dickens, Founder and Chair, Astus Group. For services to Media Trading.
• Elizabeth Noël Harwerth, Chair UK Export Finance. For services to International Trade.
• Amar Latif, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Traveleyes. For services to the Visually Impaired and to Entrepreneurship.
• Richard Paxman, Chief Executive Officer, Paxman Coolers Limited. For services to International Trade.
• Kevin Taylor, Chair, Industrial Development Advisory Board. For services to Business and to the Economy.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Professor David Cooper. For services to Lift and Escalator Engineering.
• Professor Philip Dickens, Founder, Added Scientific. For services to the Additive Manufacturing Sector.
• Caroline Hamilton, Chief Executive, Safety Assessment Federation. For services to Business and to Engineering.
• Dennis Mardon, Chair, Citizens Advice Exeter, for services to Vulnerable People in Exeter, Devon.
• Christine Payne, Lately General Secretary, Equity. For services to the Trade Union Movement.
• Hina Solanki, Founder, Sol Cosmedics. For services to Business and to Charity.
• Sandra Strong, Chair, Customs and Export Licensing Committee, British Exporters Association. For services to British Exporters.
• Penelope Taylor, Head, Newark College and Air and Space Institue. For services to Skills and Employment in Newark and Sherwood, Nottinghamshire.
• David Williams DL, Vice Chair, D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership and Chairman, Geldards LLP. For services to Business and to the Economy in Derbyshire Nottinghamshire.

Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

• Elizabeth Baitson, Founder, High Net Connect. For services to Business and to Entrepreneurs.
• Balbir Kaur Dhillon, Postmaster. For services to the community in Birchwood, Cheshire.
• Kuldeep Singh Dhillon, Postmaster. For services to the community in Birchwood, Cheshire.
• Jennifer Didcote, Postmaster. For services to the community in Bishop’s Cleeve, Gloucestershire.
• Dorothy Kay, Volunteer, Citizens Advice, Elmbridge West. For services to Employment Advice.
• Virendra Patel, Technical Support Partner, John Lewis and Partners. For services to the community in Hampshire.

Staff from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) recognised in the 2023 Birthday Honours List include:

Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

• Gordon Welsh, Lately Head of Business Group, UK Export Finance.

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

• Charlotte Heyes, Chief Negotiator and Deputy Director, Trade Negotiations Group.
• Ryan Sinclair, Assistant Head.

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

• Jacqueline Griffiths, Senior Policy Advisor.
• Sandra Stephenson, Head of Personnel Security.
• Robin Sykes, Lately Head of Import Controls.

Some of the recognised recipients include:

1. Michael Cherry – awarded a CBE for services to for services to business and to international trade.

For over 20 years Michael has been a passionate advocate for international trade and the benefits it can bring to the economy. Serving 2 full terms (6 years) as Federation of Small Businesses National Chair, the first Chair to do this, Michael has also worked hard to ensure that the voice of smaller firms is heard in the national conversation on small business. Michael has also worked to promote the advantages of international trade to UK small firms in support of the Global Britain agenda. This has included speaking at the UK-Japan Free Trade Summit on the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and at the Australian High Commission in support of negotiations for a UK-Australia FTA. Furthermore, Mike has been a committed advocate for UK trade policy in the national and international media, highlighting the massive interest amongst the UK’s over 500,000 small exporters in concluding FTAs with Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and others.

Michael Cherry CBE, Lately Chair, Federation of Small Businesses said:

I am hugely honoured and obviously delighted to have been put forward for this award, and my thanks to everyone who gave me their support in what we did for businesses and international trade during the time I was privileged to be National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, as well as my congratulations to everyone else recognised in this year’s Birthday Honours.

Small businesses make up the vast majority of the businesses across all parts of the UK and deserve more of our support, especially after the difficulties of the last few years, in looking at the opportunities overseas markets present for them to grow and develop their businesses.

2. Elizabeth Noël Harweth awarded an OBE for services to international trade.

In her role as chair of UKEF, Noël has helped build UKEF from a transactional agency focused on serving few exporters into one of the leading export finance groups in the world while managing risk to a significantly low level. She has built the organization into one of the leading export finance groups in the world, serving hundreds of businesses and projects. Furthermore, Noël’s leadership of the Board at UKEF has contributed to record amounts of support for UK exporters. Noël is the first female Chair of UK Export Finance, and she has consistently championed diversity and inclusion. Noël is deeply committed to public service and to strengthening civil society and she has been very committed to promoting women’s leadership and equality. Noël founded the Women’s Corporate Directors chapter in the UK and continues to chair that group. Plus, having joined the International Women’s Forum approximately 20 years ago, she remains an active member.

Elizabeth Noël Harweth OBE, Chair of UK Export Finance said:

To be awarded an OBE for services to international trade is a great privilege. UK Export Finance has become one of the world’s leading Export Credit Agencies due to the vision and hard work of our dedicated public servants. We are proud to support Great Britain’s exporters, whose goods and services improve the lives of millions around the world.

3. Amar Latif awarded an OBE for services to the visually impaired and entrepreneurship.

Having lost his sight in his teens, Amar has set the bar extremely high to prove to himself, and to encourage many others around the world, that blindness is no impediment to achieving what you desire. He has done this in entrepreneurship, motivational speaking and appearances in a range of TV programmes. Having held the post of Finance Director in the Leeds office of BT, he created Traveleyes in 2004, a company specialising in bespoke holidays around the world for the visually impaired. Traveleyes was voted Best Assisted/Accessible Holiday Company at the British Travel Awards in 2019 and 2020. Named by The Chamber of Commerce International as The Outstanding Young Business Entrepreneur of the World, he received the first-ever Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Award from Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou of EasyJet, run by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability. He was named Alumnus of the Year by the University of Strathclyde.

Amar Latif OBE, Founder and CEO of Traveleyes said:

I would never have imagined in my wildest dreams that my achievements would be recognised and acknowledged in this fabulous way, and I am so so humbled!

I’m incredibly grateful to all that have joined me on the journey to get here. I have worked very hard to overcome barriers and preconceptions that people have had of me as a blind person, and I set up Traveleyes, the world’s first commercial tour operator, to provide independent group travel for people who are blind, vision impaired and fully sighted because tour operators didn’t cater for people like me.

4. Sandra Strong awarded an MBE for services to exports.

With 35 years of experience in international trade, Sandra’s input, dedication, and commitment to the British Exporters Association, its members and the wider UK exporting community continues to be invaluable. One example is when it was suggested that the British Exporters Association add to their set of free guides, by publishing one on trade compliance, Sandra was the key ‘go to person’ because of her wide knowledge of the practicalities of customs, VAT, duty, hazardous goods, export controls and certification for packaging. Sandra was instrumental in introducing a free helpline for British Exporters Association members, which has proven to be an invaluable resource for UK exporters to assist with all export and international trade related matters, particularly with the challenges surrounding Brexit. Plus, Sandra willingly shares her knowledge and expertise to help educate and develop others in international trade matters.

Sandra Strong MBE, Chair of the British Exporters Association said:

I am delighted and honoured to receive this award in recognition of my services to British exporters. I would like to acknowledge the exceptional teams I have been privileged to work alongside, notably the British Exporters Association (BExA), whose unwavering commitment to advocating for the needs of British companies in the global marketplace is truly commendable.

I am also grateful for the steadfast support provided by Strong & Herd LLP, whose expertise in customs and international trade regulations has been invaluable in assisting UK businesses for nearly 30 years. This award is an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary efforts, goodwill and ongoing contributions of these teams, partners and collaborators, and it has been my pleasure to work with them during my career.

5. Dennis Mardon awarded an MBE for services to vulnerable people in Exeter, Devon.

In 2004, Exeter Citizen’s Advice was facing closure but is now a financially healthy, respected, effective and dynamic organisation. This is due to Dennis’ unstinting commitment, leadership, energy and dedication. His senior management background and awareness of the importance of good governance has enabled him to develop a Board of 14 Trustees, who increasingly reflect the profile of the community, ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills to support and develop the service. He is highly respected by staff and in 2019 was chosen as Volunteer of the Year by the 80+ volunteers in the Bureau. Under his leadership the Bureau was awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2016 and the Exeter Living Charity of the Year Award in 2017. The success of Dennis’ leadership over 18 years is reflected in the organisation’s 2020/21 Impact Statement which showed a 92.3% satisfaction rate with the 29,658 issues dealt with by the service.

Dennis Mardon MBE, Chair of Exeter Citizens Advice said:

I am extremely pleased and honoured to be awarded an MBE. This honour is as much about Citizens Advice Exeter as it is about me. I am so proud of everyone involved with our charity – all the volunteers, staff and trustees – for the amazing work they do every day. I always think of them as a family, and without their support and dedication I certainly wouldn’t be receiving this award.

6. Balbir Kaur Dhillon and Kuldeep Singh Dhillon both awarded a BEM for services to the community

Balbir Kaur Dhillon and Kuldeep Singh Dhillon are both widely recognised as pillars of the community, not simply because they are extremely dedicated and long serving postmasters. They are also active members of their local community, bringing a lasting and positive impact across schools, hospitals, foodbanks and local sports teams in the area. During the first lockdown, Balbir and Kuldeep worked with others at their Temple to fundraise for, prepare, and distribute some 35,000 meals for frontline NHS staff at both Warrington and Halton hospitals. Working weekends on site, they kept doctors and nurses fed and watered as they worked to save lives. Observing and understanding the increasing levels of hardship being experienced by those at the less advantaged end of the spectrum, they both regularly top up supplies at the local foodbank from their own retail stock. It is hard to overstate Balbir and Kuldeep’s commitment to, and love for, their local community.

Balbir Kaur Dhillon BEM and Kuldeep Singh Dhillon BEM, Postmasters said:

We are both incredibly honoured and grateful to receive this award. We hope to continue serving the Birchwood community, as it brings us so much pleasure to help the people around us that we class as family.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 16 June 2023.

First South Carolina Working Group meeting under the UK – South Carolina trade MoU takes place in Columbia, SC.

On Friday 16th June 2023, the UK and the State of South Carolina held the inaugural government to government working group under the auspices of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation and trade relations between the US state of South Carolina and the United Kingdom in Columbia, SC.

Consul General for the United Kingdom in Atlanta, Rachel Galloway, and Deputy Secretary of Commerce for the State of South Carolina, Ashely Teasdel, led the working group attended by officials from the respective governments. The discussion focused on improving cooperation and sharing best practice. This is in addition to exploring opportunities for increasing bilateral trade in the automotive, advanced manufacturing, life sciences sectors, and state procurement.

The UK and South Carolina have a strong trading relationship, with the state exporting £1.2 billion worth of goods to the UK and importing £1.3 billion worth of UK goods in 2022. Several UK companies have subsidiaries based in South Carolina including, Doncasters Trucast Inc, GKN Aerospace, and Sigmatex. UK companies employ over 12,000 South Carolinians in the state and almost 5000 jobs in the Palmetto state are supported by exports to the UK.

South Carolina and the UK agreed to facilitate further bilateral policy and research and development exchange ahead of a future session to be held in late 2023, which will involve representatives from industry as part of continued work to deliver for businesses in the UK and South Carolina.

The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 14 June 2023.

A new agreement recognising UK professional qualifications in Switzerland is being signed today.

A new agreement recognising UK professional qualifications in Switzerland will be signed by Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch and Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin today [14 June], boosting trade between the two countries.

Proving you have the right qualifications is key to winning contracts in regulated sectors such as law, architecture and audit. Under the agreement, UK-qualified professionals in regulated sectors who wish to have their qualifications recognised in Switzerland will have a certain and transparent system to do so; and vice versa.

This could allow British companies to compete for more contracts in Switzerland in the long run, boosting UK services exports, growing the UK economy and encouraging Swiss investment into the UK.

The agreement has been welcomed by industry bodies and stakeholders. It will enter into force at the start of 2025 and replace interim arrangements on RPQ with Switzerland, agreed ahead of the UK’s EU Exit.

Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said:

Supporting our flourishing services sector to sell its world-class expertise abroad is key to helping grow exports and grow the economy.

Following the start of free trade deal talks last month, this agreement will hopefully ensure UK companies compete for more contracts in Switzerland in the future, boosting UK services exports, and encouraging new Swiss investment into the UK.

The UK and Switzerland are among the world’s leading service economies, with their services sectors each representing over 70% of GDP for both economies. We traded £24 billion of services between us in 2022, making Switzerland the UK’s 7th largest partner for services trade.

President of the Law Society of England and Wales Lubna Shuja said:

Switzerland is the third largest UK legal services export market in Europe, so this deal will benefit not only our members but also the wider economy.

Legal services facilitate all international business transactions and provide crucial support to UK and multinational firms wanting to export. The sector consistently generates a trade surplus with net exports of UK legal services standing at £5.4bn in 2021.

Founder and Principal of Studio Seilern Architects Christina Seilern said:

My upbringing in the Swiss Alps has been instrumental to my career as an architect, which has been rooted in London for nearly two decades and encompasses important public projects and civic interventions in both countries, including recently the major Andermatt Concert Hall at the historical centre of Switzerland.

As architects, our thinking and our industry are global. This agreement lowers the barriers for us to do our work, and ensures that we can continue to make meaningful contributions to our cities, economies, and communities in Switzerland and the UK.

This agreement follows the launch of negotiations last month in Bern on a new UK-Switzerland free trade agreement to boost trade between the two services superpowers.

A new, modernised free trade agreement with Switzerland will add to the UK’s growing armoury of powerful service-focused deals by removing market access barriers, improving regulatory cooperation and enabling UK firms to compete on an equal footing in Switzerland.

The RPQ agreement also sets out a bespoke route to recognition for certain legal professionals, allowing lawyers to qualify in the other country after registration and a 3-year practise period, subject to conditions set out in the agreement.

It also safeguards the autonomy of UK regulators to independently set and maintain standards and decide who is fit to practise the profession.