The release of the second estimate of GDP (Q3 2013)  shows a 0.8 per cent increase in GDP but further widening of the trade deficit to £8.9 billion - where the UK is increasingly importing more than it exports. Estimates for Q3 show exports falling by 2.4 per cent between Q2 2013 and Q3 2013 and imports growing by 0.4 per cent over the same period. 

Despite this disappointing trend, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce is remaining positive and continuing to tackle what it believes to be the greatest barrier to export - lack of knowledge.

John Bridge OBE, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: "Despite today's figures we know that companies in our region are continuing to explore new opportunities overseas, but they need to understand the complex procedures and documentation to enable them to do so
effectively.

"That's why we're launching a new qualification, the Foundation Award in International Trade, which has been developed by the British Chambers of Commerce. It promises to equip exporters across the UK with the knowledge and expertise they need to do business overseas, meet their legal and financial responsibilities and have confidence when dealing with overseas payments and contracts."

The series of six one-day courses start in January and will provide exporters with a solid understanding of which documents and modes of transport to use, the different licences required and how businesses can reduce the cost of receiving payment. Delegates will also learn how to understand import procedures and terminology common in international transactions, how to read import entries to ensure customs compliance audits are passed and how to save money using preferential rules of origin and inward and outward processing reliefs. 

The Chamber recently reported that the value of the export documents it processed in the three months to September 2013 were up 38.35 per cent compared to the same period the previous year.

John Bridge continued: "Our own figures here at the Chamber demonstrate that companies are being proactive in creating and seizing opportunities to trade overseas, but more support is needed to make sure that new and existing exporters are making the most of the opportunities and savings available and operating in the most efficient way. We believe that this new qualification will enable exporters to do just that, while remaining confident that they are meeting their legal and financial responsibilities."