

Belgian Savings Reach Record High Amid Coronavirus Confidence Crash
Read Yasmine Lingemann’s blog on how Belgian’s are big savers which is problematic during the Covid-19 Crisis and Brexit transition period. Find out how you can help your business to navigate through this challenging time. Continue reading Belgian Savings Reach Record High Amid Coronavirus Confidence Crash

UK-EU Border – The Devil’s in the Detail
The practical implications of Brexit on everyday UK-EU trade is becoming clearer week by week. This week, Amazon announced changes affecting Amazon sellers, customs briefings and enquiries ramped up, and the impact on product availability and businesses started to become evident. The detail is very welcome, and helps businesses prepare further. For some, the impact will be more difficult to manage and will effect consumer … Continue reading UK-EU Border – The Devil’s in the Detail

UK-EU Trade – Get Ready For The End Of The Transition Period
The UK Government has published its long awaited border operating model. It makes clear how the border with the EU will work – at least in most cases. But some important questions remain, and the cost to business, in customs administration work alone, will be substantial. The government has responded to some key demands from British Chambers of Commerce for measures to improve cash flow. … Continue reading UK-EU Trade – Get Ready For The End Of The Transition Period

The EU Recovery Plan
Last week’s virtual summit of EU leaders discussed the proposal for a revised long term budget and EU Recovery Plan – put together by the Commission in double quick time. Much of the discussion between member states is inevitably informed by a calculation of who gets what and who pays, so it will not be easy or very quick. But the effectiveness of the EU … Continue reading The EU Recovery Plan

Declaring your UK income in your Belgian Tax Return
If you have any income that you receive in the UK and are unclear how to declare this in your Belgian income tax declaration, here’s some advice from Eric Laurent. If you need more, sign up for our webinar on Wednesday 24 June, especially as the deadline for personal tax declarations is 30 June! Eric is a Partner at ERYV – a family business working … Continue reading Declaring your UK income in your Belgian Tax Return

The 110th Annual General Meeting
I wouldn’t say I’m an old hand at AGM’s but I’ve sat through quite a few and organised some too. But this year was another new experience, and somewhat of a challenge – the Chamber’s first digital AGM. Over the last few months’ we’ve all discovered the joys of Zoom, particularly the ease of moving from one meeting to another and how good it is … Continue reading The 110th Annual General Meeting

Working from home – the new norm
The impact of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdown measures have affected each of us in different ways. It’s caused health issues that have changed the lives of many, whilst others have been left unscathed. It’s also freed the time of thousands of people who’ve been placed under the furlough scheme, whilst the days of others have become substantially busier for a number of different reasons. … Continue reading Working from home – the new norm

UK joining Lugano Convention is essential for EU Business and Consumers
There are many outstanding issues still to be negotiated as part of the future relationship between the EU and the UK, however one area where there shouldn’t be much disagreement is over the British government request to join the Lugano Convention. There should be an overwhelming interest for both sides to keep the existing relations in this field. The consequences would be severe and very negative … Continue reading UK joining Lugano Convention is essential for EU Business and Consumers
Fiscal representative to become mandatory for UK established companies in Belgium
As part of the VAT consequences of the departure of the UK from the EU, Belgian VAT authorities have officially communicated to business their position as to the need for UK established companies, that currently are VAT registered in Belgium via a direct VAT registration, to appoint an individual fiscal representative as a result of Brexit. The letter of the Belgian VAT authorities confirms that … Continue reading Fiscal representative to become mandatory for UK established companies in Belgium

Will robots steal your job? A report on the British School of Brussels Expert Panel
Although those headlines that tell you robots are going to steal your job can be disheartening, the overarching message that came from last week’s panel was a positive one. Though the term Artificial Intelligence may seem scary, the panel reminded us that we actually already use A.I everyday – when we search Google, choose from recommendations on Netflix or Spotify or find more similar products … Continue reading Will robots steal your job? A report on the British School of Brussels Expert Panel

Remembering the Holocaust: A Shared Responsibility
The 27th January, marks the annual International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, as designated by the United Nations (UN). Continue reading Remembering the Holocaust: A Shared Responsibility

A Day in the Life of An Ambassador: Olivier Nicoloff
There is always an occasion in my day to remind me that to work in Brussels as Canadian Ambassador for bilateral relations is a real privilege. Continue reading A Day in the Life of An Ambassador: Olivier Nicoloff

Employment opportunities: British Black youth and the ‘ethnic penalty’
According to a recent report by the UK’s Parliamentary Work and Pensions Committee (1), “There are stark differences in youth unemployment by ethnic group. In the year to June 2016, the unemployment rate among 16-24 year olds was 30% for black people, 26% for people from Bangladeshi or Pakistani ethnic background, and 13% for white people. While unemployment rates fall substantially with age for all ethnicities, the relative positions of the groups largely persist (2017, 11).” Continue reading Employment opportunities: British Black youth and the ‘ethnic penalty’

Brexit – the Voices of European Business
New research by the Council of British Chambers of Commerce in Europe (COBCOE) aims to give European businesses a voice. Key areas of common interest are identified, highlighting the priorities for a Brexit that secures prosperity for Europe. Business leaders across Europe need to be listened to. They also need clear signals from the EU and UK that will allow them to plan. These are just two … Continue reading Brexit – the Voices of European Business

Golden Bridge Trade and Investment Awards 2017 – Last Call for Applications
Gain visibility and recognition for excellence in trade and export by applying for the Golden Bridge Trade and Investment Awards. What is the Golden Bridge Trade and Export Awards? The 2017 Golden Bridge Trade and Investment Awards present an exciting opportunity for UK companies trading or investing in Belgium, and Belgian and Luxembourgian companies trading or investing in the UK to showcase their bilateral success … Continue reading Golden Bridge Trade and Investment Awards 2017 – Last Call for Applications
Meet Wilhelm Emmrich, our summer intern!
Read why he chose to intern with us and how he has experienced his summer at the Chamber. Hi Wilhelm, tell us a bit about yourself, please. I am originally from Germany and lived in the UK for about four years, first for school and then for university. My interest in EU-UK relations really started with my exchange year at a school in the Northeast of England, in Barnard Castle to be precise. After finishing my A-levels in … Continue reading Meet Wilhelm Emmrich, our summer intern!

Are Working Mothers Bearing The Brunt Of Covid-19?
Read Lizzie Gull’s blog on why the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted men more than women, and how you and your business can help moving forward. Continue reading Are Working Mothers Bearing The Brunt Of Covid-19?

BritCham Celebrates International Women’s Week
Read Yasmine Lingemann’s blog to learn how BritCham celebrates and reflects on International Women’s Day 2021. Continue reading BritCham Celebrates International Women’s Week
‘Sensational Strasbourg’- Why you MUST be there!
By Euan Carey There’s only a week to go until our virtual trip to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. We absolutely cannot wait to show you what we have in store. Grab a drink, get comfy – this is going to be the best trip to Strasbourg you’ve never had! As you enter Strasbourg (virtually!) you will be able to enjoy all that the Chamber … Continue reading ‘Sensational Strasbourg’- Why you MUST be there!

Supply Chain is Only as Strong as its Weakest Link
Read Yasmine Lingemann’s blog to learn why supply chains are falling apart and what needs to be done to save the global economy from the repercussions. Continue reading Supply Chain is Only as Strong as its Weakest Link

Virtual Strasbourg Flagship Event
Read Yasmine Lingemann’s blog to learn more about our upcoming virtual Strasbourg flagship event, including what to expect, the schedule, and how you can benefit from sponsoring. Continue reading Virtual Strasbourg Flagship Event

VAT Post Brexit: Everything You Need to Know
Read Yasmine Lingemann’s blog to learn everything you need to know about VAT post Brexit, and how to adapt to the new rules and regulations. Continue reading VAT Post Brexit: Everything You Need to Know

Launch of the BritCham Sustainability Action Group
A Word From The Chair This group will seek to cover the three areas of sustainability: Environmental Social: Health & Well-being Economic With this group, we aim to empower you to act. We will discuss issues related to the running of sustainable businesses, from practical tips for small steps you can take on a in your daily activity, to how to improve the effectiveness of your … Continue reading Launch of the BritCham Sustainability Action Group

EU Cancer Plan Report
On 18 November, The British Chamber of Commerce EU & Belgium brought together a high-level group of industry experts and scientists as well as representatives from the European Commission and MEPs to discusshow effective action on cancer prevention offers the best path for a successful Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The event outlined concrete steps the EU and European stakeholders can take to tackle preventable cancers. … Continue reading EU Cancer Plan Report

Digitalising Education: The Time is Now
Read Yasmine Lingemann’s blog to find out why digitalising education is the inevitable future, and how now is the time to brush up on your skills. Continue reading Digitalising Education: The Time is Now