Import controls delayed for this year
The remaining import controls on EU goods will no longer be introduced this year, instead, traders will continue to move their goods from the European Union to Great Britain as they do now.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the recent rise in global energy costs, have had a significant effect on supply chains that are still recovering from the pandemic.
The government has concluded that it would be wrong to impose new administrative requirements on businesses who may pass-on the associated costs to consumers already facing pressures on their finances.
There will now be a review how to implement the remaining controls in an improved way. The new Target Operating Model will be based on a better assessment of risk and will use data analytics and technology. It will be published in the Autumn and the new controls regime will come into force at the end of 2023.
This process will build on existing work already taking place as part of the 2025 Border Strategy, including on the UK Single Trade Window – a new digital platform that will help traders to move goods more easily. The goal is to create a seamless new ‘digital’ border, where technologies and real-time data will cut queues and smooth trade.
The controls introduced in January 2021 on the highest risk imports of animals, animal products, plants and plant products will continue to apply alongside the customs controls which have already been introduced.
See: New approach to import controls to help ease cost of living – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The British Business SME Awards 2022
Now in their fifth year, the awards have recognised and celebrated the innovative and outstanding achievements of small and medium size British businesses across all industries.
The British Business Awards offers you and your colleagues the opportunity to gain the industry and country-wide recognition you deserve.
These awards are open to any businesses in the UK which fall within the traditional definition of an SME – namely up to 250 employees. Ideally the business should have been trading at least since January 2020, but the judges will consider younger businesses formed after this date. The awards are also open to those service providers and investors who help create the ‘eco-system’ which enabled SMEs to flourish and survive particularly over the last two years.
Nominations will close on 27 May 2022.
See: Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise open for 2022
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognise and encourage the outstanding achievements of UK businesses in the fields of:
- innovation
- international trade
- sustainable development
- promoting opportunity (through social mobility)
Businesses of all sizes and from all sectors can apply. The awards are free to enter, and you can apply for more than one award.
See: The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: About the awards – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Future Skills Agenda in the Cardiff Capital Region – Employer Skills Survey 2022
Since launching the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) Employment and Skills Plan 2019-22 in 2019, there has been a huge change in the way people work and the types of jobs on offer. However, more importantly, there has been a significant change in the skills now required by industry to drive forward their businesses in a post pandemic world. The turbulent times over the last two years has meant that many new skills have been identified as a key requirement for businesses. Therefore, it is more important than ever that people gain the right skills in Welsh colleges, universities and through learning provision (apprenticeships).
The CCR Skills Partnership (CCRSP), are one of four skills partnerships in Wales. They work to understand the key skills priorities that face industries in the Cardiff region. They use information gathered through this survey and their wider engagement with stakeholders to help inform the Employment and Skills Plan. By completing this survey, you are contributing to the CCR Employment and Skills Plan for 2022-2025. This plan is key to informing Welsh Government what skills and training are required in Wales and where their funding needs to be allocated in order to fulfil these demands.
This survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete but it could make a difference to the skills landscape of your region.
See: Arolwg Sgiliau Cyflogwyr 2022 | Employers Skills Survey 2022 (smartsurvey.co.uk)
