The Commonwealth is a political association of 54 countries, almost all of which are former territories of the British Empire. As part of a family of 2.4 billion people across 5 continents, it can sometimes be difficult to be heard. To stand out from the crowd you need an organisation that appeals to many and provides clarity and coherence amid the noise.
In a corner of Cheshire, amongst the peace of the rural countryside and bustling towns that clarity is provided in the form of the Cheshire Commonwealth Association (CCA).
The opportunities for UK businesses offered by Commonwealth member states are diverse and plentiful, and even the smallest nations could be an invaluable trading partner for firms in Cheshire looking to expand their horizons and trade internationally. In many ways, particularly in light of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, there has never been a better time to embrace the trading network represented by Commonwealth, which contains some of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Under the guidance of patron David Briggs (pictured), Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, the Association was formed to give businesses in Cheshire knowledge and guidance to allow them to trade within the Commonwealth.
He said: “I really believe that there are some wonderful opportunities for Cheshire companies to trade with businesses in the Commonwealth.
“My own experience of visiting many of these countries from Singapore and Fiji to India and Australia to Kenya and South Africa is that these and so many more members of the Commonwealth really value their relationship with Britain and they want to do business with us. In many there are of course also the advantages of a common language and importantly a legal system based on English Common Law which makes doing business with these countries relatively easy.
“For any Cheshire company looking to expand its exports I encourage you to consider the opportunities in many Commonwealth countries.
“I also hope that the Cheshire Commonwealth Association will enable you to learn about opportunities and to meet others already trading in these countries who can give you invaluable introductions. If we all work together we can all benefit.”
Each year the CCA hosts in-person and virtual events with an illustrious array of speakers, ranging from High Commissioners, television personalities and even royalty (the Earl of Wessex, HRH Prince Edward, addressed the 2018 launch at Chester Racecourse), to those that are involved with Commonwealth organisations.
At these events, businesses can hear from export experts, including representatives from the Department of International Trade (DIT) and the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), as well as other business owners providing key insights and offering a wealth of experience of trading with particular countries. Attendees to these events have been encouraged to dip their toe into the exporting water to see what opportunities are out there, with many success stories along the way.
The FSB attends the CCA’s regular meetings, a link that has proven to be useful – for example in planning the recent seminar of exporting to Australia and New Zealand.
FSB’s North West regional Chairman, Chris Manka, himself an export consultant, said: “The FSB is very happy to be supporting the efforts of the CCA, in highlighting the considerable opportunities for trade with Commonwealth countries. The fact that English is widely understood in these markets, and the fact that there is an element of commonality in legal frameworks make these markets ideal trading partners for Britain's SMEs.”
The CCA website is full of invaluable information, no matter which of the 54 countries of the Commonwealth appeals. Visit www.cheshirecommonwealth.org to find out more.