Category Archives: International News

Export, International News, Logistics, News

International trade hit by supply issues, says Chambers Wales

The biggest challenges facing importers and exporters in Wales lie with supply issues, says Chambers Wales.

The leading business membership organisation in Wales says it is helping hundreds of businesses who trade internationally who have been affected by volatility in the supply chain.

While demand for air cargo has risen according to recent statistics released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), capacity remains 9.7% below pre-Covid levels due to the ongoing grounding of passenger aircraft.

In many cases, freight that had been transported by air pre-pandemic is having to be moved by slower sea routes. Businesses in Wales and globally are frustrated by the delays in moving goods caused by shortages of labour and materials. A lack of skilled drivers, container shortages, the backlog caused by the Suez crisis and the ongoing pandemic are all negatively impacting shipping routes.

Jo Price, Director of International at Chambers Wales, said: “Rising freight costs and widespread shortages are causing a headache for exporters and importers in Wales and across the world as international trade continues to be unpredictable and volatile.

“At Chambers Wales, our experienced international team are helping to remove the stresses of current supply chain issues by providing guidance and support on global trade concerns and connecting businesses to local suppliers in Wales and the UK wherever possible.”

An additional concern around the sourcing of suitable wood for pallets used to pack and transport goods is also causing delays for businesses.

Jo added: “While many of us love to upcycle pallets as decorations or to spruce up the garden, removing these pallets from supply chains is causing headaches for businesses. Recycling them can make a huge difference at a time when these vital transport structures are in short supply. Our member business Pallet Recycling South Wales can assist with this, restoring pallets to their original quality, putting them back into the supply chain and contributing to a greener future.”

Chambers Wales offer a range of services to curate end-to-end solutions, connecting Welsh businesses with global suppliers, buyers and markets. In addition to customs intermediary services and documentation support, the organisation also offer a series of accredited international trade training courses.

Data, European News, International News, Technology

BCS Resumes Work in Italy’s Red Zone

Business Critical Solutions (BCS), the specialist services provider to the international digital infrastructure industry, has resumed work overseeing a major datacentre construction project in Italy’s red zone.

The project is located in Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy. It involves the construction of a 15,000 square meter 10-Megawatt datacentre facility. Despite being awarded ‘essential status’ by the Government, work on the project, which is at the civil engineering stage, halted on 13th March due to the Covid-19 pandemic which was particularly prevalent in the area. The site has now re-opened with strict new operating procedures designed to ensure the safety of the workforce. Measures include social distancing, increased sanitisation and staggered shift start and finish times.

Chris Coward, Head of Project Management for BCS, said:

“We are still facing issues around getting the right number of workers onsite due to continuing restrictions on travel across regions and many of the materials we need, such as concrete and steel, are sourced from the neighbouring Lombardy Region. We are committed to getting this project done but our major focus is on keeping people safe.”

Education, International News

Over the course of two days, students from ESCP Business School will take on the different roles that exist in the European Parliament

For the 11th edition of the Designing Europe seminar, the 1000 students of the Master in Management (MiM), from all campuses in Europe, will meet in Brussels at the European Parliament on 26 and 27 February to work on the European Green Pact and the future of Europe.

Over the course of two days, students will take on the different roles that exist in the European Parliament and participate in the legislative process. Whether they are MEPs, members of the Commission or the Council, students can get to know the European institutions while working on a topical issue on the European parliamentary agenda: the European Green Pact.

Michel Barnier, Chief Negotiator of the working group for the preparation and conduct of negotiations with the United Kingdom and graduate of the School (MiM Class of 1972), will speak alongside parliamentarians and professionals from the European institutions. Yves Bertoncini, consultant and professor in European affairs and expert ESCP professors will coordinate the seminar activities..

The Dean and Executive president of the School, Prof. Frank Bournois, states:

“It is part of the school’s mission to accompany our students on this theme and to encourage them to develop several points of reflection: economic, institutional, legal and political. Giving them the tools to learn how to make the right choices is all the more important at a time of major change, that they will continue to experience throughout their careers as decision-makers”.

Anais Ravet, Director of the MiM says:

“We want to bring the European experience to our students who represent over 50 nationalities. By immersing them in the reality of European parliamentarians through meetings and negotiation simulations, they experience the major challenges of Europe today and in the coming years, which will be at the heart of their challenges as future leaders.

Pr. Cécile Kharoubi, Academic Director of the Master in Management adds:

“As part of the 2019-2020 academic year, ESCP innovated by creating a mandatory seminar for all first-year students on climate issues and the transformations in which companies are engaged. We show here, with this mandatory seminar in the second year, that we take these issues seriously”.

Professor Aurélien Acquier, Head of sustainability transition notes

“Over the last ten years or so, we have seen a rise in concerns related to the consideration of social responsibility, societal innovation and sustainable development. The new generation that we are teaching is pushing us to link performance and meaning by taking into account these issues. I am delighted that they are today at the heart of ESCP’s emblematic educational event”.

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