Export Britain

BCC accredits first overseas business network in Singapore

9th April 2014

- As Export Week draws to a close, BCC announces accreditation of British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore

- Accreditation of Overseas Business Networks will help UK firms break into new international markets

A key milestone in the programme to strengthen overseas business networks, launched by the British Prime Minister the Rt Hon David Cameron MP in November 2012, has been reached today as the British Chambers of Commerce in Singapore became the first to receive full accreditation from the British Chambers of Commerce. Chambers and business groups in a further 20 markets are expected to achieve accreditation in this financial year alone, meaning that in these markets UK exporters can be confident finding a high-quality first point of contact for their business.  

The British Prime Minister has set an ambitious target of increasing exports from the UK to 1trillion by 2020. As part of an ongoing partnership between the BCC, UKTI and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, this target will be driven forward by a new global network of accredited chambers and business groups, providing in-market, practical help and advice for UK exporters.

Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the BCC, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Singapore into our network and look forward to many more accreditations in the months ahead. It is crucial that business people have a single approved provider in new markets, and are confident that as they step off the plane, they can easily be connected with new exporting opportunities.

“With the right attitude and sheer determination, there is no reason why the UK can’t meet the huge challenge set by the Prime Minister of increasing exports to one trillion by 2020.

“The BCC is delighted to be working with the UK government to create a strong, global business-to-business network for British business, giving companies that haven’t exported before the tools and the confidence to seek out opportunities in new markets across the world.”

Commenting, Brigitte Holtschneider from the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore said:

“It’s really exciting that British business people now have a first port of call in Singapore – the UK’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. It is an ideal place for UK firms to do business, given the country’s connections with the rest of the world, its strong legal system and attractive tax system.

“Now, UK companies will be able to get in-market advice and support on how to export their goods and services in Singapore, provided by a trusted and accredited business to business network.”  

“The services on offer by the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore are on par with those offered by the UK’s international competitors, and are available to all British businesses looking to take advantage of the array of opportunities in this fast-growing market.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

More information about the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore can be found here http://www.britcham.org.sg/

Media contacts:

Lisa Morrison – Press and Communications Manager

020 7654 5812 / 07717682221

Allan Williams – Press and Communications Officer

020 7654 5813 / 07825746812

Export Britain, the online export support resource from the British Chambers of Commerce, showcases opportunities in key international markets, and links UK exporters to support available from British Chambers and business groups both in the UK and around the world.

Export Britain helps businesses to make new connections overseas by drawing on the power of the global network of British Chambers and business groups. The site also helps growing and prospective exporters navigate through the export journey by signposting the support available every step of the way, as well as providing information on export training and documentation, events and trade missions, and inspiring case studies featuring successful UK exporters.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) sits at the heart of a powerful network of 53 Accredited Chambers of Commerce across the UK, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes and within all sectors. For more information visit: www.britishchambers.org.uk