Brexit support stepped up for chamber members
The Black Country Chamber of Commerce is stepping up support to its members as the Brexit deadline of March 29 approaches.
Chamber policy officer Dan Turner said: “Black Country businesses remain in the dark about what a future trading relationship will look like with the EU. Politicised discussions around Norwegian, Canadian or Swiss models do nothing to help West Midlands manufacturers, hauliers or service sector exporters counteract the challenges they currently face.
"Alarmingly, as March 29 approaches, a shocking amount of questions remain unanswered, from customs, and intellectual property to trade agreements with third countries.”
Mr Turner added: “We are doing our utmost to support our members. We will be hosting the second in our serious of International Trade and Brexit events on March 20. This session will see guest-speakers from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Home Office outline what Brexit means for Black Country businesses.
“As Europe Direct Information Centre for the Black Country, we have great links to the EU Commission and a host of law firms who can help provide clarity on a range of issues.
"In our most recent West Midlands quarterly economic survey, completed in partnership with Greater Birmingham and Coventry and Warwickshire Chambers, a total Balance Score of 56 suggested fairly solid export conditions here in the West Midlands.
"However, the data from Q4 does show a slight downturn for firms reporting increased export sales, from 26 per cent in Q3 2018 to 24 per cent in Q4 and a marginal rise in firms reporting decreased export sales, from 11 per cent in Q3, up to 13 per cent in Q4.”
Nationally the percentage of both manufacturing and services exporters who are expecting to increase their prices has risen in the past three months, as international traders struggle with the value of the pound and pressure from the cost of raw materials and other overheads, according to the latest Quarterly International Trade Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce, in partnership with DHL.
The report, based on a survey of more than 2,600 exporters, and export documentation data, shows that nearly half (49 per cent) of manufacturers and 39 per cent of services companies plan to raise their prices, up from 41 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.
