The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce is a small Chamber who have been supporting businesses for over 130 years. Our vision is to help create a sustainable and connected economy for Lincolnshire businesses, supporting them to grow and prosper.
We do this through a variety of different services including, networking and events, PR, and Marketing, Membership, and International Trade support. We work with a wide range of businesses of all sizes in a variety of different sectors.
Tell us about the team
The international trade team at Lincolnshire Chamber is currently made up of 6 employees: Georgia Stokes, Karen Bush, Tommy McCullough, Eve Farley, Katy Edenbrow and Nick Edwards (pictured above).
Georgia and Karen are both ChamberCustoms accredited agents and provide import and export declarations on a daily basis on behalf of our customers.
As well as Georgia and Karen, Tommy, Eve, and Katy all support with the export documentation and training side, with Eve, along with Nick also covering the Lincolnshire Chamber’s International Trade Advisory and Consultancy service. More recently both have also been supporting funded peer-to-peer networks we are running on behalf of Business Lincolnshire, which also forms part of the wider Greater Lincolnshire Internationalisation Strategy.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
The variety of the role has to be the favourite part, no two days are the same and every day there is always something new to learn within the world of international trade. It is also really rewarding to be able to help the businesses we work with thrive within the international trade sector, through our expertise and support, both internally and also via the great support received across the network and internationally.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about customs clearance?
The formalities and level of work involved to ensure current standards are met and HMRC Customs Compliance is maintained. The rules and regulations with trading internationally are constantly changing, so keeping up to speed with the current requirements is key - something completed a certain way one time, may not be correct the second time.
What advice would you give a business that is considering exporting overseas?
Research in advance and make use of the resources on hand, who have the knowledge and expertise in the area. Upskilled staff are also key to thriving within the international trade sector. No question is ever a silly question, so keep asking and doing the research in advance to build your knowledge and confidence trading internationally.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Don’t panic! know that if you don’t the answer straight away, there is always someone out there who can help, you are never alone. 😊
But most importantly, live in the moment and don’t put off doing anything you want to do!
