In September 2019, HMRC initially launched a grant to help businesses upskill their staff to make customs declarations, recruit new staff and invest in IT software and hardware. Last month, the government unveiled a new package of £50m to help businesses prepare for the changes post-transition period.ÌýÌý
This new package can be used by both companies trading internationally and customs intermediariesÌýwho will need to start making customs declarations from 2021 and we urge companies to make the most of this opportunity.ÌýÌý
Applying for the grant is a simple and straightforward process. Eligibility criteria and information on how to use the grant can be found on the government websiteÌý.ÌýÌý
Where can you use it?Ìý
- TrainingÌýÌý
Greater ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥ Chamber of CommerceÌýoffersÌýexportÌýand import courses that this grantÌýcan help fund. Please see a full list of our courses on our websiteÌýhere. The training can also be delivered in-house ifÌý²â´Ç³Ü’dÌýlike to train your internal team, this allows you to get a more bespoke approach and look at specific examples within your business. If ²â´Ç³Ü’d like to discuss your own business needs and would like help identifying which courses are eligible for the grant, please email the team atÌýexportbritain@gmchamber.co.ukÌýÌý
- IT Software and HardwareÌý
Customs declarations can be complex and if you would like to do these internally, you mightÌýneed to invest inÌýa bespoke software. We can help connect you with some of our trusted partnersÌýwho can provide this service for you and discuss further. Please contact the team ifÌý²â´Ç³Ü’dÌýlike an introduction.ÌýÌý
- RecruitmentÌýÌý
If you will need to hire new staff to complete customs declarations or need support promoting internally, you can also use the grant to pay for recruitment services and promotion and to cover a part of their salary. All details are included on the government website at theÌýstart of this article.ÌýÌý
This is a great opportunity for UK traders to help them prepare for the changes to come in January. Please contact us atÌýexportbritain@gmchamber.co.ukÌýif you have any questions.ÌýÌý
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