International Trade Support | Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce

Think Growth, Think Global!

Welcome to Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce's online resource on International Trade. We provide support to businesses looking to export and grow their business internationally.

This site will help growing and prospective exporters navigate through the export journey by signposting the support available to you every step of the way, as well as providing information on export training and documentation, events and trade missions.

Ayrshire businesses with global trade ambitions can now access an unparalleled range of specialist international trade support services.

Businesses wishing to take advantage of opportunities in overseas markets, whether they are experienced exporters or new to international trade, no matter their size or sector, can contact Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce on 01292 678666.

Read our Trade Manifesto here

Information for traders on importing and exporting goods between Great Britain and the EU after 1 January 2021.

Export Guide

Import Guide

Brexit? What Brexit?

What has happened to UK trade since January 2021

Support service and helpline for those trading to Ukraine and Russia

A dedicated online support service is now available. If you’re a UK business trading with Ukraine or Russia and have questions about the current trading situation, contact the UK government's export support team by phone or online.

CLICK HERE for the online form.

You can also call the support service on 0300 303 8955 or contact the HMRC Support Line: 0300 322 9434

For further resources on advice when trading, traveling and living in Russia, please click here.

IMPORANT UPDATE:

The UK government, the US and the EU further strengthened sanctions against Russia recently. A further ban on services
exports to Russia has been introduced covering transactional legal services, IT consultancy, architecture, engineering,
advertising and auditing. Legislation is due shortly.
You can find the update from the UK government by CLICKING HERE

Start your international journey

Whether you are taking your first steps or looking to grow your export business, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce can help with every stage of your export journey.

Do Business outside Scotland

Export Britain

Free support to become an Exporter

In addition to its range of cost-effective products and services, Scottish Chambers of Commerce is working closely with Scottish Enterprise to deliver the relevant training. This national European match-funded programme provides free or subsidised support to companies and individuals based in Ayrshire and beyond to help them increase their exporting skills and knowledge. Specialist training, online tools and a national helpline is now available, providing much-needed support for Scottish companies seeking to trade globally.

Your Export Journey

Export Readiness

Your business is performing well in the UK market and you are now looking at growing internationally then Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce can help make sure you are ready.

Preparation is key to trading successfully internationally.

Scottish Enterprise

Your intuition as a business owner and manager could be telling you that the time is right to broaden your business horizons. Of course, it's always a good idea to back up your business sense with some evaluation, and British Chambers' export readiness services are designed to do exactly that.

Are you ready to Export?

Export Finance

Trading internationally brings a new dimension to business finances. Crossing borders can increase risks, so putting the right process in place to ensure prompt payment is critical and dealing with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rate can make the difference between profit and loss. British Chambers deliver services which can help you understand options for export finance, set up appropriate payment methods and access foreign exchange services. Click here for further information on finance.

Getting goods to market

Whether you're shipping physical goods or providing services, a successful export business relies on delivering in a timely and efficient manner, while making provision for insurance & risk management and local regulations. British Chambers can help make sure you have all the bases covered.

DHL Shipping Boost your exports

CCL Logistics

Documentation

International Market Access

Making sure you have the right distribution channels in place is critical to your export success. Making connections is what British Chambers do best and your local UK Accredited Chamber can offer valuable advice and introductions. Click here for further information.

International Sales and Marketing

One of the most obvious challenges when exporting to a new overseas market is not only to understand and navigate the local cultural customs but often to do so in a different language. To assist, British Chambers provide overseas marketing services and translation & interpreting services. In addition, as your overseas business expands, when the time comes British Chambers can advise on all aspects of setting up an overseas office. Click here for the Export Britain website.

To access support in key markets, use the International Directory - an online resource by the British Chambers of Commerce designed to help you start and grow your export business.

Testimonials

'We've seen our volumes of origin documentation increase year on year and have received an excellent service from the Chamber with our documentation being processed and returned within the agreed timescale. We believe that we receive great value for our membership fee.'

Bob Rogerson, European Customs Compliance Officer, NACCO Materials Handling Limited.

'We, Neogen Europe, have been a member of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce for many years working closely and building a great relationship with the chamber. The staff are always reliable, informative, and easy to communicate with a service that is second to none. The training provided is of a great standard and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce brings many benefits to our company such as being able to share our and other business' experiences to build and develop.'

Blair Grieve, Senior Shipping Assistant, Neogen Europe

'I confess I thought the task of obtaining certificates, was going to be long and painful! But with e-cert it has been quite the opposite, I believe in time this will be an invaluable tool for our business, coupled with the professional support from the documentation staff at Ayrshire Chamber.'

Lee Graves, Business Development Manager, St. James Smokehouse (Scotland) Ltd., Annan

'The E-Cert method has certainly revolutionised our outlook to preparing Chamber documents. The whole system is very easy to use and our customers are quite impressed when we can produce the European Certificates of Origin within a day of request. The backup assistance we receive from the Chamber office is second to none as they are always at the end of the phone to offer advice and point you in the right direction.'

Catherine Rowan, Master Production Scheduler, Glenfield Valves

International Trade FAQs

Business Brexit Risk Register

BCC Brexit Faqs

EU-UK Trade & Cooperation Agreement Analysis: JAN 2021

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce International Trade team:

Julie Coulter

Rosalynd Gauld

Adrienne Howard

Joan McMurdo

International Trade Events

31st October to 10th November - International Trade Week: Scotland Roadshow