Chamber’s top-notch international team headhunted by EU to help in Serbia
10/03/2008
There has been much talk lately in the press of plans for a trade pact between the EU and Serbia. Now the Chamber, which supports businesses in Bedfordshire and Luton, is becoming part of the story with the EU looking to use the Chamber’s expertise.
Richard Collyer, Head of International and Regional Development, is being considered by the EU as an advisor on trade policy and removing barriers to trade. Richard has an impressive CV, having worked all over the world with the Crown Agents as Senior Trade Advisor and at the British Standards Institute as Deputy Director of the International Trade Division. Since working for the Chamber he has travelled regularly to Vietnam to help create and establish quality systems.
Added to this, the Chamber has significant experience of facilitating trade with Eastern European states through its highly successful TradeArc division.
Said Richard Collyer:
'The EU is looking to liberalise trade with Serbia with the eventual outcome being membership of the EU. Serbia could be a very interesting market for UK businesses and the Chamber is very keen to become involved at this early stage. Obviously there are considerable political issues to be resolved before Serbia can become part of the EU but liberalisation of trade represents a step towards what has been described as a 'European future' for Serbia'.
Richard Lacy, Chief Executive of the Chamber believes the approach from the EU is proof of the Chamber's growing international reputation.
'Increasingly the Chamber is being seen as a proven centre of expertise and excellence on issues around international trade, particularly in Eastern Europe. Our advantage is our first-rate team with excellent contacts and considerable experience. We intend to build on this and have already branched out into supporting those businesses interested in entering the Chinese market.'
