The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) United Kingdom and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) have released a guide aimed at cutting through the noise around the UK's future trade negotiations - helping small and medium-sized businesses plan ahead and manage risks and opportunities.
Aimed at providing clarity around the EU trade negotiations, the guide lays out a timeframe of the upcoming negotiations and provides practical, independent advice and insights from foreign investors and expert trade negotiators. Reiterating the importance of transitional agreements, the guide aims to help businesses effectively plan - as well as manage risks and opportunities - over the next two-to-three years.
"A stable UK-EU relationship is a global economic priority," says Chris Southworth, Secretary General of ICC United Kingdom. "A lot is at stake in terms of jobs, investment and standards of living, so it is important that businesses of all sizes feel properly informed to make the right decisions at the right time. Given the size and complexity of coming negotiations, transitional arrangements are crucial should timeframes overrun - giving businesses confidence to plan ahead without fearing sudden increases in cost or unnecessary red tape."
"As the UK looks to forge a new future with our European partners, firms of all sizes are keen to understand the opportunities, and risks, this new landscape presents both for trade within and outside Europe," says Paul Drechsler CBE, CBI President. "This simple guide to trade negotiations for small and medium-sized businesses should be a helpful tool for companies up and down the country, and inspire firms to help each other by sharing their expertise and knowledge."
The joint ICC-CBI reference guide on trade negotiations was launched at ICC United Kingdom's Global Debate at Merchant Taylors Hall. Speakers at the Global Debate included Lord Price, Minister for Trade Policy; Sir Michael Rake, Chair of ICC United Kingdom; Paul Dreschler, President of CBI; Robin Niblett, Director, Chatham House; Richard Eglin, Senior Trade Policy Advisor, White & Case, Geneva and Linda Yueh, Fellow in Economics at Oxford University.
ICC is the largest world business organisation and provides a critical voice for business at a global level - championing free trade, providing the rules that govern international business and helping businesses settle international disputes.
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ICC United Kingdom CBI
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