L@B-BRIEF June Issue 2021
How well is the government serving exporters?
While it’s good to see a renewed commitment to UK science from the Prime Minister, the follow-through in terms of support for UK exports does not seem to be all it should be. This month we have finally heard from DIT about the future of the Trade Access Partnership, and the news isn’t good and worse still, members are getting in touch to say that even the basic administration of key services is falling below expectations.
You tell me that the Export Control Joint Unit is failing to meet it’s commitments to turn-around times for export licences and as new member Oxford Instrument’s MD, Dr Ian Wilcox points out, they are increasingly turning down applications, particularly for export to China.
Are we being more risk averse than other countries? We are supposed to be all working from the same guidelines. Or is the real problem that DIT staff from all walks are being re-directed to work on new trade agreements, and the bread and butter work on which we all depend is going into the round filing cabinet under the desk?
Toodle pip,
Jacqueline
INSIDE THIS MONTH
BIVDA raises alert on delay to EU IVD Regulations
Doris-Ann Williams of the British In Vitro Diagnostic Association provides the first of a series of updates for GAMBICA members
Pharma companies join Alliance to Zero
As emphasis on sustainability grows, pharma companies decide to band together to set out their roadmap
Masterclass in export prioritisation and research
Next ‘shared cost’ training to help GAMBICA exporters to improve their batting average
Big 4 consultancies move in on GAMBICA members’ breakfast
Two of the big 4 consultancies have launched projects to help digitize laboratories
New member slams export control delays
More frequent refusal of export licences and long delays are costing UK companies real money says MD of Oxford Instruments
New way out of the VAT trap
GAMBICA partner organisation Chamber International offer an alternative to the current VAT difficulties