Chamber training courses upskill firms on international trade

Businesses have received a nationally recognised qualification after completing training courses offered by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

The GBCC delivers a widespread portfolio of import and export training, all accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), which enable businesses to upskill their staff on global issues.

Anyone who completes six of the ten accredited courses on offer will be rewarded a qualification equivalent to an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification).

Each module counts for a number of credits which contribute to the accreditation.

Leah Quarmby (pictured), international trade training manager at the GBCC, said: “Brexit has brought huge changes to the export and import world that have caused many problems for businesses.

“In light of this, all of our training courses have been updated with key information on how to complete new documentation and all provide a huge insight in to how employees can contribute to operations to make sure their company trades correctly.

“Each course includes guidance and advice which will be suitable for different roles within a company, from a buyer to a finance side and from a beginner to a more advanced role.

“Employees who begin training and work towards their BCC accreditation can choose the courses that suit their industry, learn new skills and gain themselves a nationally recognised accreditation in international trade. The knowledge they will learn can then be used in their role and help guide others in their company. ”

A good starting point for businesses looking to enrol is the popular 'Understanding Exporting and Export Documentation ' programme.

This course grants a total of two module credits and provides information on export controls and licence requirements, shipping documents, proof of export and good business practice.

Members can access the course for £245 + VAT or at £295+ VAT for non-members.

Additional courses on offer include:

• Customs procedures & documentation
• Import procedures Including Inward processing & outward processing
• Incoterms 2020
• Documentary letters of credit & methods of payment
• Agents & Distributors
• Preference - Rules of origin

One business already taking advantage of this training is Dudley-based chamber member, Offspring International Limited (OIL).

Offspring International is a leading supplier of single point and conventional buoy mooring systems, offloading hoses, marine breakaway couplings, pressure surge protection and navigational buoy moorings for the offshore industry worldwide.

Training attendee, Kay Southall, export administrator at OIL, said: “The chamber training courses were very helpful and informative and will be very useful in my role, being relatively new to export administration.

“The course I found most useful was the documentary letters of credit and methods of payment course. We only do a few letters of credit orders per year and it can be difficult to remember all of the procedures required.

“I 'd definitely recommend all of the courses as I 've found them all very useful, especially for someone new to the role. The trainers were very patient and made you feel at ease, therefore it was very relaxed and you felt able to ask questions if you needed to. ”

Click here for more information about the training courses available, or email [email protected]