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Merry Christmas from Europe Direct Lancashire
Welcome to the Christmas edition of Europe Direct Lancashire. In December we often reflect on the past year. How was 2015 for you? For us 2015 has been a busy year, the highlights included the International Stand at the Lancashire Market in August where dishes from Lancashire's twin towns were demonstrated. This was not just down to the delicious European cuisine on offer or for the dare I say it the appearance of blue sky and sunshine but for meeting and engaging with the thousands of visitors who descended on Preston for the day. Other highlights were the MEP Question Time with our Conservative, Labour & UKIP MEPs at Preston's College in September and, of course, the commissioning and launch of our EU Business Perception Survey.
2016 is just around the corner and with it brings the historic referendum on whether the UK remains in or leaves the EU. Whatever your thoughts on the matter the outcome will affect us all. It is there for vital that all the facts are carefully considered before voting. 2016 brings new opportunities and we look forward to seeing you at our events during the forthcoming year (the first six months' worth) are listed in our Events section. Until then may we wish you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
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Top market entry strategist speaks at German trade event
Europe Direct Lancashire are delighted to announce that Sven Rieman from the German-British Chamber of Commerce will speak at our Doing Business in Germany event on 28th January 2016. Sven, who specialises in market entry strategies, will be the keynote speaker at the event, co-hosted by Europe Direct Lancashire, which will highlight the business opportunities available in the EU's largest economy. The impressive line-up of speakers includes Forbes Solicitors, Euler Hermes, UKTI, OBNi and, of course, Europe Direct Lancashire.
For further details (including pre-booking one-to-one meetings with the speakers) please email Neal Barfoot
[email protected] or to book, and for further details,
click here
Look out for our forthcoming Focus on Central and Eastern Europe workshop on 7th March 2016, EU Investment Bank workshop on 23rd May 2016, and Doing Business within the EU workshop on 5th July 2016. Further details will be posted on our dedicated the website
www.europelancs.co.uk closer to the time.
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Changes in Customs procedures in 2016 - are you prepared?
The UCC (Union Customs Code) is a recast of the customs legislation that will introduce a variety of important changes to existing customs requirements, and as such, it is vital that businesses which trade internationally are well versed in the imminent changes.
The UCC is expected to come into force in May (2016. The delegated/implementing acts that will give force to the UCC are currently being agreed.
One of the most noticeable features of the UCC is the increased importance and prominence of AEO (Authorised Economic Operator). It includes a number of benefits that will be attributed to businesses which have AEO status.
Click here
for details of our next workshop.
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Out and about with the Europe Direct Lancashire in 2015/16
Below are some of the activities we will be organising in the next few months which we look forward to seeing you at. Watch this space and our website for further details:-
14th December - Business Language and Culture in the EU Workshop,
Runshaw College, Leyland
28th January - Focus on Germany, NWLCC, Blackpool click here for further details
3rd February - Business Language and Culture in the EU Workshop,
West Lancs College, Skelmersdale
10th February - Careers Fair ,The Oracle, Blackpool
7th March - CEE Markets Workshop, Leyland Best Western Hotel, Leyland
8th March - Careers Fair, Runshaw College, Chorley
16th March - Careers Fair, Prestons College, Preston
Date TBA - TTIP Workshop, NWLCC, Blackpool
23rd May - EU Investment Bank Workshop, NWLCC, Blackpool
29th July - Doing Business in the EU, NWLCC, Blackpool
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European Union news in brief
Commission proposes modern digital contract rules to simplify and promote access to digital content and online sales across the EU
The Commission today adopted two proposals: one on the supply of digital content (e.g. streaming music) and one on the online sale of goods (e.g. buying clothes online). The two proposals will tackle the main obstacles to cross-border e-commerce in the EU: legal fragmentation in the area of consumer contract law and resulting high costs for businesses - especially SMEs - and low consumer trust when buying online from another country.
Click here to read more
European Year of Development Draws to a close
The closing ceremony for the European Year for Development 2015 (EYD 2015) took place on the 9th December in Luxembourg, marking the culmination of a successful campaign, which has seen partners such as youth groups, international organisations, members of the public, NGOs, the private sector, schools and universities from all over the EU, and worldwide, come together in a wide range of events, debates, and initiatives on international development.
Click here to read more.
Economic & Financial Affairs Council adopts Directive on cross-order corporation tax
The Council discussed interrelated measures aimed at preventing corporate tax evasion. It adopted conclusions on the future of a code of conduct on business taxation and on implementation of OECD work on tax base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS). It also reviewed progress on international anti-BEPS aspects of a proposal for an EU common consolidated corporate tax base. "We have achieved a quantum leap in the technical discussions on this dossier," Mr Gramegna said. "It is proof of our commitment to implement the OECD's BEPS recommendations in a swift and coordinated manner."
Click here to read more
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Take a look at the Europe Direct Lancashire website
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USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
The North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce hosts a Europe Direct Information Centre, which aims to provide local citizens with information, advice and assistance for all matters relating to the European Union.
Europe Direct Lancashire:
01772 653000
Europe Direct Contact Centre, Brussels: 00800 67891011
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LANCASHIRE MEANS BUSINESS
Click here to read the latest digital edition of Lancashire Means Business Magazine, the magazine for businesses in the North West.
Published by the Lancashire Evening Post in association with the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.
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