Do you know where to look if you want to understand market trends for various chemicals or products so that you can target new customers or decide if your company should move into new sectors?

Did you know that much of this information is freely available on a database complied by HMRC using the HS codes submitted by companies when they import and export?

At our recent Trade & Business Committee, Alastair Gardner from the Department for International Trade (DIT), gave a short demonstration of how to use this database. A number of those present were unaware of this facility but could see the potential benefits for their company and wanted to learn more.

CBA has therefore organised this ‘Online Clinic’ with Alastair so that our members can learn more about this potentially useful addition to their commercial department’s resources.

This short clinic is designed to explain:
• How to access the database
• How to navigate around the database to make most use of the information for your company
• The various uses that the database can be used. Including identifying specific traders, chemicals, and market trends.
• The pitfalls and limitations of the system.
• Answer any questions participants may have
About the Department for International Trade (DIT)
The Department for International Trade (DIT) helps businesses export, drives inward and outward investment, negotiates market access and trade deals, and champions’ free trade. DIT is responsible for promoting British trade across the world and ensuring the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us

About the Presenter

Alastair Gardner – DIT, Trade Specialist, Chemicals Export & Investment Team – Healthcare, Life Sciences & Chemicals Directorate
Alastair has worked in international trade promotion for nearly 20 years. In his current role as Trade Specialist for the Chemicals sector within the Department for International Trade, he promotes and support the UK’s world class chemicals industry on a global stage by:
• Ensuring that UK companies in the chemicals supply chain are accessing the support available to them via DIT’s regional, overseas and sector teams
• Promoting UK expertise at overseas trade shows, conferences and with individual key customers
• Identifying new high value markets and new opportunities for UK businesses
• Promoting UK’s expertise in formulated products across key DIT high value sectors such as infrastructure, marine, automotive etc