British Chamber of Commerce Singapore achieves global accreditation

Singapore firms to benefit from BCCS' new initiatives.

According to a release, the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore becomes the first Overseas Chamber of Commerce to receive a full accreditation from the British Chambers of Commerce, UK under the Overseas Business Network initiative (OBNi) programme launched by the British Prime Minister the Rt Hon David Cameron MP in November 2012.

The programme aims to transform the support available for British SMEs seeking to do business in high-growth, hard-to-access markets across the world. Chambers and business groups in a further 20 markets are expected to achieve accreditation in this financial year alone, meaning that in these markets UK exporters can be confident finding a high-quality first point of contact for their business.

The British Prime Minister has set an ambitious target of increasing exports from the UK to 1trillion by 2020. As part of an ongoing partnership between the BCC, UKTI and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, this target will be driven forward by a new global network of accredited chambers and business groups, providing in-market, practical help and advice for UK exporters.

Companies in Singapore can now further benefit from this initiative via Chamber membership and events to identify new opportunities and expand their businesses. 

Commenting, Brigitte Holtschneider, Executive Director of the BCCS said: 

“It’s really exciting that British business people now have a first port of call in Singapore – the UK’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. It is an ideal place for UK firms to do business, given the country’s connections with the rest of the world, its strong legal system and attractive tax system.

“Now, UK companies will be able to get in-market advice and support on how to export their goods and services in Singapore, provided by a trusted and accredited business to business network.”

“The services on offer by the British Chamber of Commerce in Singapore are on par with those offered by the UK’s international competitors, and are available to all British businesses looking to take advantage of the array of opportunities in this fast-growing market.” 

Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the BCC, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Singapore into our network and look forward to many more accreditations in the months ahead. It is crucial that business people have a single approved provider in new markets and are confident that as they step off the plane, they can be easily connected with new exporting opportunities."