New support for international traders

New support for international traders: online guide to simplify government regulation An online guidance service to help Britainís 150,000 international traders has been launched by businesslink.gov.uk. It is one of the first examples of the shift of government information to the Business Link website, the governmentís primary online information service for business. The new service, available at www.businesslink.gov.uk/internationaltrade will help traders understand the complexities of international trade, and assist thousands of others realise the benefits of trading with overseas markets. It includes four interactive tools and 55 guides, bringing together government information relating to compliance with international trade in simple to understand language.

This addition to businesslink.gov.uk has been developed by experts from across government and online trading specialists.

The launch of the service coincides with the release of findings from a businesslink.gov.uk survey of almost 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, revealing 40% of respondents find understanding and complying with international legislation one of the biggest barriers to trading internationally. The research showed that businesses clearly recognise the opportunities offered by foreign markets, with 39% citing access to new customers as the biggest benefit.

A third of respondents said finding all the information in one place would make it easier for them to trade internationally and access new markets.

The four interactive tools assist users through a short series of questions to produce a personalised action plan, saving time and potential cost. The tools are:

* What do I need to know to export to my target country?

* What are my duty and VAT liabilities when importing or exporting?

* Which customs procedures and reliefs can help me trade internationally?

* Which Incoterm (International Commercial Contract Term) should I use?

Jonathan Hollow from businesslink.gov.uk and Stephen Armistead of Tradecopiers join us live online at www.webchats.tv on Wednesday 24th January at 1330 to tell us all about this new resource for small businesses. The show will be available to view on the site for the next few weeks.

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