Inventory

High-interest rates and elevated inflation are pressing suppliers to reduce their cash-conversion cycles

US manufacturing experienced a further decline in June, reaching levels not seen since the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a positive aspect as price pressures at… read more →

The Single Trade Window (STW) is a technology concept proposed within the 2025 UK Border Strategy, published by the Cabinet Office in 2020. It builds upon the recommendation and guidelines proposed by the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT).

Trade Finance Global surveyed firms throughout Europe to gain an understanding of SMEs’ trade finance usage norms and their propensity to pay for new or additional trade finance products and services.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only intergovernmental organisation that regulates and facilitates the rules of trade between nations

We spoke to Ronan Quigley from the British Chambers of Commerce during the World Trade Summit on 23rd October at The Law Society in London. The event took place amid growing speculation about the prospects of a winter General Election, following the Government’s defeat to its proposed timetable for the passing through of its EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill. Ronan gave us an overview of the support landscape for UK businesses, post-Brexit and discussed the new version of the Incoterms.

With the UK and EU yet to reach an agreement on their future trading relationship, it is vital goods vehicle operators are as prepared as possible for a No Deal Brexit. In this scenario, new border procedures and haulier responsibilities will come into effect immediately. Hauliers must ensure they fully understand the new road haulage procedures, documentation requirements and responsibilities that will arise; otherwise, they risk their operations coming to a standstill.

Looking at the bigger picture of international trade flows and supply chains is crucial when looking at helping businesses access finance. We heard from Tony Brown at the Annual WOA Convention, discussing the world of open account pre- invoice, including purchase orders, transportation, distribution and pre-shipment finance.

Brexit continues to cause changes to the UK construction industry, with impacts ranging from a freeze/slowdown in trade to the decreasing availability of construction workers from overseas. The risky construction sector is showing contraction due to the longer-term uncertainty.

Evidence shows that small and medium-sized businesses that export are more likely to achieve higher turnover growth, in addition to being more stable and sustainable if the local market does… read more →

International tax competition (ITC) stems from governments encouraging inflows and discouraging outflows of capital within their country, typically through corporation tax rate (CTR) reductions to increase the attractiveness of foreign… read more →

Supply chain is at the core of any international business, and managing this with a close eye is important for any treasury manager, FD or MD. Companies which have their… read more →

We spoke to Sarah Walker, who is the UK Lead of Alternative Finance at KPMG about her thoughts on the alternative finance sector and where it is headed, following NESTA’s… read more →

Securing finance to purchase goods: There are many routes for SMEs Equity or angel investment is great for kickstarting the growth of an awesome startup, but sometimes, it’s not appropriate.… read more →

There are a number of difficulties with using a Letter of Credit, but they are one of the most widely used instruments for trade. Letters of credit are used in… read more →