WATCH: UK-Italy trade still important despite Brexit complications

Italy welcomes trade with British businesses despite complications caused by Brexit, delegates at an event held by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) heard, writes Claudia Congrave.

The 'Trading with Italy ' event was co-hosted with the British Chamber of Commerce Italy (BCCI) to provide insight on the current trading relationship between the UK and Italy following the impact of Brexit and Covid-19.

Speakers at the event included Aaron Pugliesi (pictured), BCCI secretary general and chief executive and Steven Sprague, chairman of the BCII Brexit committee, BCII councillor and partner at CastaldiPartners.

Aaron explained that the Italian people are largely homogenous and, despite the country 's regional division, are both locally enthusiastic and wholly unified as a nation.

This attitude contributes to the high value that Italian business people place on personal and trustworthy relationships when looking to do business with those abroad.

As the ninth biggest trading partner for UK, particularly in the technology, engineering and pharmaceuticals sectors, the UK exports an average of £14.5 billion a year to Italy.

Almost £1 billion of this existing trade comes from the West Midlands.

Since Brexit, as with most EU countries, many changes have been made to the documentation needed to admit goods into Italy.

One speaker explaining his experience within these changes was Joseph de Maio, CEO of STI Internazionale.

STI Internazionale manages shipment outsourcing across Europe, particularly in the wines and spirits sector.

Joseph said: “With Brexit, it 's become more difficult for us because of the way that the EU now treats imports from the UK as from a third party country.

“The economic impact of this is substantial, costing us 300 euro extra in administration costs for each consignment, including new inspection protocol and labelling fees.

“Shipments are still being cleared, but costs are certainly higher and there are longer transit times. These extra costs are generally paid for by the importers based in Italy. ”

He added: “The system is working, but it will definitely need improving in the future. ”

When looking to navigate these complexities, Aaron described the BCCI as the 'soft landing partner ' readily available to UK businesses.

He reassured businesses that the country is more than accommodating to different ways of doing business and that trade between Italy and the UK is more welcome than ever.