PM backs new EU trade strategy

Welcoming publication of the new policy document, he said: "One of the biggest benefits of our EU membership is the free trade deals between the EU and the rest of the world, which tear down barriers to business and open up markets. That's why 60% of the UK's exports go to the single market and the countries with which the EU has trade deals."

The UK already benefits from more than 50 trade agreements between the EU and other countries and, to take one example, exports from the UK to South Korea have doubled since the Commission negotiated a trade deal with that country.  Click here to read more


SMEs to benefit from EU research cash

Horizon 2020 is the EU's flagship funding programme for research and innovation. In its latest two-year Work Programme, the European Commission has set out funding opportunities for 2016-17. Over that period, almost €16 billion will be invested in research and innovation via a range of funding opportunities in the form of calls for proposals, public procurements and other actions. SMEs are particularly encouraged to get involved in the programme which focuses on a number of key priorities including: jobs, growth and investment; the Digital Single Market; energy and climate change; and the EU's Single Market. Calls and related information covering nearly 600 topics will be published on the Horizon 2020 Participant Portal. Click here to read more


MEP to address ladies' lunch in Blackpool
Theresa Griffin MEP has been confirmed as one of four speakers at December's North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce's 'Women In Business Christmas Special' event.

She is one of four speakers during the event, confirmed for Blackpool's Imperial Hotel on 4 th December. 

Also speaking will be: Alison Gilmore, the Imperial's general manager; Laila Remtulla, founder of Blackpool-based Laila's Fine Foods; and Anne Williamson, the owner of Lucrative Marketing.

The function runs from noon to 5pm and those attending will be served with Bucks Fizz on arrival, followed by a two-course Christmas lunch.
 
Networking opportunities will be possible, while there will be the chance to browse stalls selling jewellery and other products, as well as mini-taster treatments and and products from the hotel's beauty department.
 
The price is £40+VAT for members, £45+VAT for affiliate members and £50+VAT for non-members; bookings can be made with Peter or Iain on 01253 347063 or by emailing chamberevents@lancschamber.co.uk
 
Attendees have the chance to stay on for a drink afterwards while preferential room rates are also on offer from the hotel.
 
Anyone wishing to take advantage of those rates should call 01253 754616 or email blackpoolimperialreservations@thehotelcollection.co.uk and quote 'Women in Business'.

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 - Runshaw College - Business Language and Culture in the EU Workshop

28th January - Focus on Germany

3rd February -  West Lancs College - Business Language and Culture in the EU Workshop

7th March - CEE Markets Workshop

Date TBA - TTIP Workshop

23rd May - EU Investment Bank Workshop

29th July - Doing Business in the EU  
 
European Union news in brief

End in sight for mobile phone "roaming" fees and unequal internet access

A complete ban on roaming charges for using mobile phones abroad in the EU will take effect in June 2017 and clear rules on the right to internet access will become law following Parliament's final approval of the new telecoms package last month. Thanks to this agreement, Europe will also become the only region in the world which legally guarantees open internet and net neutrality. The principle of net neutrality will be applied directly in the 28 member states. It also ensures that we will not have a two-speed internet. Click here  for further details.
MEPs discuss new rules to ensure safety and competitiveness
Aviation is a key driver of economic growth and jobs, but in order to ensure safety and let European companies maintain their competitiveness, current EU rules need to be updated. The European Commission is working on proposals now, but MEPs will already debate and vote today on what they would like to see in the aviation package to be announced by the end of the year. Follow the debate and vote online and check out our infographic about the EU's largest airports. Click here for further details.
Migration: Schulz pleads for long-term approach together with African partners
Martin Schulz called for a comprehensive and long-term migration policy in cooperation with African countries in order to tackle the refugee crisis. The EP President made the plea on 10 November at the Maltese Parliament ahead of the Valletta summit on migration taking place today and tomorrow. Schulz said: "As long as war continues, people will continue to flee and won't be able to return home." Click here for further details.

Take a look at the Europe Direct Lancashire website
www.europelancs.co.uk is now up and running and is updated regularly.


USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
The North and 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

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.
OUR PATRON MEMBERS 
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Babs Murphy
NWL Chamber of Commerce
01772653000