14/05/19

JUST TWO WEEKS LEFT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GOVERNMENT GRANTS FOR CUSTOMS AND EXPORT TRAINING

So the Brexit deadline has been extended yet again – this time until 31 October 2019. Our future relationship is still not clear. What is certain is that manufacturers should be as prepared as possible to trade when and how Brexit finally arrives.

Brexit has highlighted to our industry the vital need for companies to step up, skill up and be strongly grounded in the basics of trade and customs. We strongly encourage all manufacturers to ensure they have the essential building blocks of Brexit readiness in place. The Government’s grant programme for customs and export training is closing at the end of May – there are just weeks left to take advantage of Government funding for this training.

What is the funding for?

To apply for the training grant, your business must either:

o   complete customs declarations for yourself or someone else (or intend to in the future)

o   import from, or export to the EU and complete customs declarations (or intend to complete customs declarations in the future)

The grant will provide funding for up to 50% of the cost of training staff.

The training must give your employees skills to:

o   complete customs declarations and processes

o   help other businesses with import and export processes

If you want to arrange the training internally, you can use the funding for the cost of delivering the training, like related stationery, room hire and catering.

What will the grant cover?

The grant will give you up to 50% of the cost of training for your employees, up to a limit of £750 for each employee on a course.

You can get up to 60% of training costs, up to a limit of £1,050 for each employee, if your business:

o   employs fewer than 250 people

o   has an annual turnover of less than €50 million

You can get up to 70% of training costs, up to a limit of £1,050 for each employee, if your business:

o   employs fewer than 50 people

o   has an annual turnover (or annual balance sheet total) of less than €10 million

Make UK courses to help you

Make UK offers a range of courses to help manufacturers prepare for trading post Brexit.

5 Hour E-Learning course: “How to complete a Customs Declaration”

This online training covers the basics of how to prepare customs declarations for exports and imports.

One-day classroom course: “Step-by-step guidance on completing Customs Declarations” 

This new one-day training course will highlight what you need to know to complete customs declarations accurately and efficiently - for both import and export of goods, including taking you through step-by-step guidance on completing the SAD C88 form.

We can also offer the Classroom course in-company if companies prefer that method of delivery.