What happened in an hour a few days ago reinforced the true value of being a member of the UK Greeting Card Association (GCA).
Organised by the GCA, the first ever greeting card industry webinar on international trade Post Brexit brought together a panel of members who candidly shared their experience and knowledge of international trade as well as their tips for exporting and importing to and from the EU.
“The inevitable aftermath of the Brexit deal being agreed at the 11th hour before the UK left the EU means that there has been very little time for the finer details to ratified and disseminated to relevant parties,” Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the GCA told PG Buzz. “By us pulling together as an industry in sharing our knowledge and also pushing the Govt for greater clarity we can help to protect and nurture the strong export business our industry has long enjoyed.”
The panellists of the recent GCA seminar included: David Bowen, managing director of Easy Logistics; David Byk, ceo of Swan Mill (Ling Design, GBCC and Penny Kennedy); Jeremy Corner, managing director of Blue Eyed Sun; Michael Gray, owner of MEG (distributor for many card publishers into Ireland); David Falkner, director of Cardology and Ged Mace, managing director of The Art File.
The full seminar is now available, free to watch for all GCA Members in the Library section of the website.
Meanwhile, the GCA blog on Brexit on the site’s home page (https://www.gca.cards/) is being continually updated with information that is pertinent to greeting card publishers, retailers and trade suppliers doing business with the EU.
Among the subjects currently covered is a wealth of information on Rules of Origin; EORI numbers; the Low Value Consignment Relief Scheme; dealing with Northern Ireland; Paperwork requirements in dealing with the EU.
It even includes useful links and tips from Brian Abbot, managing director of Abbot Print about what would be involved if companies delivered direct to Europe themselves rather than by using a courier.
As Amanda added, information is key in order to avoid pitfalls, delays and frustrations. “What is encouraging however is that the Govt is responding to our questions, as evidenced by the positive reaction to GCA members’ calling for greater clarity on the Rules of Origin which affects those who design in the UK, produce in the Far East and then export to EU countries.”
Acknowledging that this is still an unfolding situation, the GCA will continue to attend the regular government forums, add to the info on the website as well as convene a follow up Panel Discussion soon.
Members with any questions or experiences can these in the Chat function under the Brexit Seminar section in the members’ library area. Any non-members wishing to join can do this on the website or contact Amanda on amanda@gca.cards
Top: The GCA is to organise a follow-up Brexit online seminar for members in the near future to provide an update.
