There has been high demand for Berwickshire Housing Association’s new energy efficient and affordable homes at Beanburn in Ayton.

BHA have not built any affordable housing in Ayton for 18 years and are excited to be bringing these new homes to the area. The 31 homes in the new development have proved extremely popular and attracted a total of 3,293 applications.

Built by Cruden Building (East) Ltd, part of the Cruden Group, these homes make up Phase 1 of the development providing a mix of bungalows, wheelchair accessible properties and three and four-bedroom family homes.

The street names in the development will extend the existing numbering in Lawfield Drive and Summerhill Park and also create two new streets – Mennon Loan and Claypots Cottages.

BHA has owned this site for over 20 years and are delighted that it is being developed. They have worked in partnership with Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Government, bringing much needed affordable homes to Ayton.

A masterplan exercise was carried out with architects Smith Scott Mullen, which included public consultation, and the results of this were fed into the final design with a mix of house types and sizes aimed at meeting local demand as identified in the recent local housing needs assessment. The family housing will also help support the local primary school and local amenities.

As part of BHA’s policy, 50 per cent of new-build homes are let to existing customers. One existing BHA tenant to be allocated a new home at Beanburn is Derna Lough who moved to her new home in Lawfield Drive from just around the corner. Derna said: “I am just so, so pleased with my new home – I’m delighted, overawed and over the moon!

“It’s great having a beautiful and bright new home. I especially love my bedroom and the downstairs toilet is invaluable. I wouldn’t change a thing. Everyone at BHA has been so helpful and nice and I cannot thank them enough. It’s just a wonderful feeling to have a new house.

New BHA tenants Marion and Kenzie Dickson are also delighted with their new ‘wheelchair friendly’ home in Mennon Loan. Kenzie said: “We are very happy with our new house as it has been purpose build for disabled access. The whole layout and the way it flows is great.”

Marion added: “Getting outside to the garden in my wheelchair is just so much easier and I can get around the rooms without any problems. We are really happy here and have been enjoying being in the garden with our dogs during the lovely weather.”

All properties are set in generous plots and offer modern and spacious homes that are energy efficient, keeping running costs low for tenants. All houses meet Silver standard for energy efficiency and have the latest in heat pumps for hot water and space heating and two meet Gold Standard.

The range of properties proposed takes account of existing BHA stock and aims to fill unmet demand by providing more housing choice for applicants in the Ayton area.

Angela Taylor, BHA’s Property Director said: “We are excited to be bringing these high-quality new homes to Ayton, our first new builds in the village for 18 years, providing a welcome boost to the local community.

“Thanks to our excellent working relationship with Cruden Building (East) Ltd we are providing a total of 31 affordable homes which meet a very high standard of energy efficiency and, with the support of our partners the Scottish Government and Scottish Borders Council, we are increasing the numbers of much needed affordable housing in Berwickshire.”

The Beanburn project is the fifth project to be delivered by Cruden Building (East) Ltd in partnership with BHA and will bring the total number of homes they have delivered jointly to 129. Smith Scott Mullan Associates led the design team and were also the project architects.

Cruden have supported the local economy through the use of Borders companies as sub-contractors including A.S. Crawford, Denholm (groundworks), Teviotdale, Jedburgh (plumbing) and CIS, Duns and St Boswells (bricklayers). They have also generously donated £2,000 to Ayton Primary School, located close to the new development, as part of their commitment to investing in the local community.

As part of the development some land has been allocated to Abundant Borders for use by the community while bird and bat boxes have also been included in the work carried out

Allan Callaghan, Managing Director of Cruden Building (East) said: “We are pleased to continue our strong working relationship with Berwickshire Housing Association as we deliver our fifth project together – bringing quality, energy-efficient homes to the local area. At Cruden we take pride in building communities, not just homes and we have supported local sub-contractors throughout the build programme and donated to Ayton Primary School to help maximise the benefits to the local economy.”

Planning approval was granted for a total of 50 homes at Beanburn with Phase 2 expected sometime in the future.

Bank of Scotland’s Business Barometer for August 2021 shows:

• Scottish business confidence rises six points in August to 34%

• Firms’ hiring intentions jump 13 points with 34% planning to create jobs in the next 12 months
• Overall UK business confidence reaches 36% – the highest reading since May 2018 – as all regions and nations report positive confidence levels

Business confidence in Scotland rose six points during August to 34%, according to the latest Business Barometer from Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking.

The full easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland in August was a clear boost for businesses, with overall confidence in the economy also rising by 20 points to 43%.

Companies in Scotland reported marginally lower confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, down eight points at 25%.  When taken alongside their optimism in the economy, this gives a headline confidence reading of 34%.

The Business Barometer questions 1,200 businesses monthly and provides early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide.

A net balance of 20% of businesses in Scotland expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up seven points on last month.

Overall UK business confidence rose six points in August, reaching 36%, the highest level recorded since May 2018. When asked about their overall trading prospects businesses reported a six-point increase on July’s reading at 34% and firms’ confidence in the economy also increased six points to 39%.

All UK nations and regions had a positive confidence reading in August. The most confident regions were the North West (64%), North East (46%) and London (41%). All bar three areas reported a growth in confidence in August, with the East Midlands (down 10 points to 28%), West Midlands (down three points to 27%) and Yorkshire and Humber (down two points to 26%) reporting marginal falls.

Fraser Sime, regional director for Scotland at Bank of Scotland Commercial Banking, said: “With most of the Covid-19 restrictions easing in August, businesses across Scotland were able to return to normal trading for the first time in 18 months and are feeling optimistic about what this means for the economy.

“With confidence on the up and even more firms are now planning on making new hires, the country is taking great steps towards recovery and growth. We’ll continue to support businesses through the coming months as they aim to capitalise on this positive momentum.”

In sector terms, there was notable strength in sectors benefiting from the further easing of Covid restrictions. Services confidence saw the greatest month-on-month increase, rising by 8 points to 36%, the highest level since January 2018. Confidence in both manufacturing and construction also picked up (both up 7 points to 40%), led by rises in trading prospects for the year ahead. The increase in manufacturing confidence came despite ongoing supply disruptions, although the level remains below the high in May. Retail confidence posted a smaller 2-point rise to 34%, remaining below the recent peak in May.

Gareth Oakley, Managing Director for Business Banking, Lloyds Bank, said: “Since the start of the year business confidence has been increasing, and August has been a particularly strong month. Many of the regions have seen significant upticks in confidence and it’s encouraging that Northern Ireland has moved back into positive territory.

“It is clear there is still some level of uncertainty on inflation and the impact of price pressures, but with further boosts to confidence in the services, manufacturing and construction sectors we can be hopeful that demand across all sectors will drive consumption throughout the rest of the year. The last few months of the year will be pivotal to the future of UK economic growth and we remain by the side of businesses as the country continues to reopen.”

Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence reaching its highest level in over four years tells a positive story about the country’s economic recovery. This confidence is driven by the continued success of the vaccine rollout, the removal of lockdown restrictions and adjustments to self-isolation rules.

“Staff shortages remain a challenge, but as the economy moves back towards pre-pandemic levels we can be optimistic that the momentum for business confidence and economic optimism can be sustained in the months ahead.”

On Saturday 25 September, Scottish charity People Know How and Polwarth Parish Church will be officially launching their new canal boat, All Aboard.

After People Know How and Polwarth Parish Church announced their partnership in 2019, they ran a pilot project including consultations, events and activities on a chartered canal boat, including projects and events for young people and the community. The pilot demonstrated the importance of their aims to provide a space for wellbeing and community cohesion and the response they received from participants was overwhelmingly positive.

In February of this year, the two partners finalised the purchase of their own custom-built canal boat, and in June that boat was craned into the Union Canal. Since then, they have been getting it ready for its official launch.

“It’s been an exciting process preparing our new boat to officially launch on the canal – from installing the bright yellow canopy and lift, to training up our team of volunteers, to ensuring our boat is safe and accessible for all. The launch comes at a pivotal time in the canal community’s recovery from the pandemic, and we’re really looking forward to start hosting sessions and projects as well as new volunteers interested in this unique opportunity. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on board!”

– Anna Philbrick, All Aboard Coordinator

The launch event invites you on board the new boat and offers many opportunities to get involved with All Aboard. The project is currently looking for crew and helmsman volunteers to support the running of the boat, taking young people, families and adults on trips on the canal. There are also opportunities to provide support on the boat through art, music, meditation or any other ideas you might have!

Come down to the All Aboard canal boat at 36-38 Polwarth Terrace between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 25 September and join us for the launch of All Aboard!

Register on Eventbrite: https://all-aboard-boat-launch.eventbrite.co.uk

Last night (Thursday 26 August), recent University of Edinburgh graduates celebrated their achievements at a unique event with the help of two city icons – Edinburgh Castle and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

This was the first in a series of celebrations across four-days with nearly five thousand graduates from summer/winter 2020 and summer 2021, plus their guests, taking part in these processions in the magnificent setting of the Castle.

Combining two of Edinburgh’s most famous institutions, the Tattoo and the University of Edinburgh provided graduates and their guests with a night to remember. Attendees were piped over the Castle drawbridge, then led in a procession by senior University academics, walking up through the Portcullis Gate and past the cannons, through Foogs Gate then into Castle Square accompanied by Tattoo dancers, pipers, drummers and fiddlers who provided entertainment along the way. Graduates and their guests then entered the magnificent Great Hall, where they were capped by the University of Edinburgh’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Mathieson.

The first group were joined in their procession by First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who walked with them and passed on her congratulations to graduates.

Professor Peter Mathieson said: “Over the last 18 months, our students have faced challenges like no others before them, so it’s fantastic to offer them such a special event to celebrate not only their achievements, but their resilience and commitment shown throughout the pandemic.

“It was a truly memorable moment to see our former students complete their University journey at such a spectacular and iconic setting and we are very grateful to the teams at the Tattoo and Castle for working with us to make it possible.”

Buster Howes, CEO of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “We’re committed to supporting the people and organisations of Edinburgh as the City starts to open up again. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with the University of Edinburgh and Historic Environment Scotland to give Edinburgh’s graduates a chance to celebrate with their families, their achievements over four years, which latterly have entailed significant challenges.

“We wish Edinburgh University’s graduates every success in the future – this is just the beginning for them!”

For more information about this year’s University of Edinburgh graduation, please visit: www.ed.ac.uk

In the first of a series of new webinars, join IFB to discover how your business and its employees can work seamlessly between workplace and home without critical business data being compromised, as well as top tips and key considerations you can apply to your hybrid working model.

It’s [Tuesday] morning. We’re coming to the end of August. The schools (in Scotland) have gone back. And we’re starting to gear up for Xmas! Yes, I said it! The X-word!

Remember that old adage: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail? Well that is 100% the case when it comes to marketing and PR, whether online or traditional. You need a SMART marketing plan to deliver business results.

However, I’m willing to wager 95% of my festive bonus that businesses are still “winging it” on social media. Hoping against hope that “this post will make the difference” to the bottom line.

Problem is, ‘Winging It’ isn’t a plan.

Neither is Hope.

Neither is relying on the intern, the receptionist or Uncle Bob’s cousin’s niece.

Businesses large and small, newly minted and established, up and down the land may very well have a rough marketing plan that states “I shall do social media regularly” without realising that that isn’t even the beginnings of an online marketing plan.

In social media land, the things you measure are TOTALLY different from traditional marketing.

Traditional marketing campaigns go something like this:

● Create a poster / radio ad / telesales campaign / door drop
● Publish / launch
● Analyse results
● Pay large bill GRUDGINGLY (knowing only 3% of the target audience actually saw / heard your message)

Whereas in social media ville, it’s more like:

● Create an engaging series of posts for the main channels where the customer hangs out
● Ensure the posts double down on the pain or desire of the target audience
● Ensure minimum 3% engagement on every single post
● Ensure 20% new eyeballs who weren’t following the brand, see the post
● Create a series of ads to ensure the target audience can actually find you (they won’t find you if you’re only hanging out in your own newsfeed!)
● Network online
● Pay small bill SMUGLY (knowing 100% of the target audience saw your messages)

Basically, if all you’re doing online is PUBLISHING online, you won’t get any MARKETING or SALES results!

The key to success online is in the magical word: SOCIAL! If your business doesn’t have the capacity to be social, it won’t get any social media results.
We’ve all seen what a mess happens when we let businesses take over Facebook and Linkedin groups with all their constant ‘check me’ yammering. It’s the online equivalent of those people at networking events who have a wodge of business cards they are determined to hand out like free cookies at Xmas.

Or it’s like those earnest artsy folk during the Festival handing out 1000s of fliers per day without chatting to the customer or asking if they’d be interested before handing them out.

When it comes to building an online marketing plan in the run up to Christmas, make sure the business has the right strategy and benchmarks that lead to actual sales, rather than blame social media for not delivering results.

After all, complaining that social media is rubbish at sales and marketing is the equivalent of blaming the telephone for being rubbish at telesales!
OVER TO YOU!

Is your online marketing religiously planned out? Till Xmas and beyond? Sign up for a free 30-minute strategy session. There are only a couple spaces per month so book up now to try to secure one before Xmas.

Remember, unless the business has a DETAILED plan to make 5, 6 or 7-figures per month … it’s not a plan, it’s just a dream!

Bio
Fin Wycherley runs Supersize Media – Scotland’s oldest social media agency and is followed by Barack Obama online along with many other celebrities, organisations and ambitious startups. An accredited Facebook Marketing Partner and Lead Trainer, Fin is also a regular expert speaker on BBC TV and radio.

Book a free Strategy Session to start to get your business geared up for Christmas here –
https://calendly.com/supersizemedia/discoverycall

Find out more at: www.supersizemedia.co.uk

If you’d like to enhance your skills in this area, we have a course running in September to help you build a sales funnel via Instagram.

In October, we’ll also look at advanced Facebook strategies to increase sales at this full day course.

In a bid to accelerate women’s entrepreneurship to support inclusive economic growth in Scotland, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh has appointed its first ever Entrepreneur in Residence.

Carolyn Currie, Chief Executive of Women’s Enterprise Scotland, will take up the post on 1 August. The appointment will help strengthen the University’s culture of entrepreneurship, encouraging and supporting more staff, students and graduates to start their own businesses, and helping fulfil the University’s goal to become a leading centre of excellence for female entrepreneurship.

As a prominent champion of female entrepreneurship, Carolyn will help QMU play a vital role in addressing the gender imbalance which currently exists across the Scottish entrepreneurial landscape. She will lead on the empowerment and education of women who have the potential to develop as successful entrepreneurs, and encourage them to achieve their full potential.

Women-owned businesses in Scotland currently contribute £8.8bn to the Scottish economy every year and generate more than 230,000 jobs across Scotland in the process, according to a 2018 Federation of Small Business report. The Rose Report on Female Entrepreneurship states that up to £250 billion of new value could be added to the UK economy if women started and scaled new businesses at the same rate as UK men. In response to the Rose Report, the UK Government announced its ambition to increase the number of female entrepreneurs by half by 2039, equivalent to nearly 600,000 additional female entrepreneurs.

Carolyn’s appointment will assist the University in its ambitions to establish a Women’s Business Centre. This would be a new physical centre located within QMU’s planned Innovation Hub, which will be part of the Edinburgh Innovation Park.

Kim Stuart, Director of Research & Innovation and the Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Unit at Queen Margaret University, explained: “We know that women do not lack ability or ambition, yet only one in three UK entrepreneurs is female: a gender gap equivalent to 1.1 million of missing business. Female-led businesses are only 44% of the size of male-led businesses on average, in terms of their contribution to the economy, and male SMEs are five times more likely to scale up to £1million turnover than female SMEs. It is imperative that we tackle the gender divide and inspire, motive and equip women to realise their potential by removing barriers and pro-actively nurturing talent.”

Kim continued: “Through a focus on female entrepreneurship, QMU champions the synergies between the drivers to promote innovation, enterprise and gender inclusion. Already, nearly two thirds of QMU’s start-up companies are created by women, and we aim to lead the way in promoting women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.”

Queen Margaret University’s Principal, Sir Paul Grice, said: “QMU has a proud history of supporting educational and career opportunities for women dating back to 1875 so is delighted that Carolyn has accepted the position of our first Entrepreneur in Residence. Not only will she be an exceptional role model for our students, graduates and staff, she will be integral in raising Queen Margaret University’s profile as a champion of women’s entrepreneurship and a driving force for post-pandemic economic recovery.”

According to the Rose Report, fewer UK women choose to become entrepreneurs in the UK/Scotland than in some other countries such as Canada, Australia and the Netherlands: The UK also lags behind many peer countries on gender parity – for every 10 male UK entrepreneurs, there are fewer than five female entrepreneurs.

A recent survey conducted by RBS during the pandemic stated that nearly three quarters (71%) of female entrepreneurs found managing their business stressful compared to half of men (55%) In addition female owners and entrepreneurs were 17% more likely to have struggled juggling business and family life since the pandemic began than men – 40% compared to 57% – suggesting that women have shouldered more of the responsibility for childcare, home schooling and household maintenance. Women are also more likely to be working in sectors that are hard hit by the crisis including hospitality and non-food retail. Supporting women to apply their expertise in starting a business now can help preserve vital skills and build back the economy.

Commenting on the appointment, Carolyn Currie said; “I am delighted to take up this post and to support the next generation of strong, entrepreneurial women at QMU. We have a huge opportunity to harness the research and innovation work underway and create exciting new businesses to power the Scottish economy. Already women across Scotland have benefitted from the digital womensbusinesscentre.com and I look forward to building on this pioneering work with QMU.”

Sir Paul Grice said: “To aid economic recovery from the pandemic, it is critical we remove barriers and harness the talent pool which we know exists within our female population. Carolyn Currie is a highly experienced business leader whose work is celebrated internationally and who has impressive connections across industry and government. Her experience in business and as an advocate of women’s entrepreneurship will help to drive forward the University’s work in embedding entrepreneurship within QMU’s culture and supporting and inspiring a new generation of student and graduate entrepreneurs. This work builds on the excellent support our students and graduates already receive from our on-campus Business Gateway service and from being part of our Business Innovation Zone.

“Looking forward, Carolyn will be at the heart of our ambitious plans to establish a Women’s Business Centre which will help unleash some of the untapped potential that exists within our female population. We want to be a catalyst for supporting female entrepreneurs – ensuring that new female entrepreneurs are encouraged and equipped to bring their ideas to fruition and that women with existing businesses are supported to scale up and reach their full potential.”

For further information about QMU’s Entrepreneur in Residence visit the EiR webpages.

• Site provides sustainability information and support for residents, businesses and visitors to Edinburgh to participate in local COP26 activity and contribute to the city’s net zero ambition

Information and support for Edinburgh businesses, residents and visitors on how they can help the Capital meet its target of net zero by 2030 is being showcased on a new website launched for Scotland’s hosting of COP26.

Run by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, the Net Zero Edinburgh site highlights climate events and workshops taking place across the Capital in the run up to the global climate conference.

It also provides practical information and support for the city’s residents and visitors on the latest guidance on travel and working in Edinburgh during the November event.

The site also offers a series of resources and toolkits for businesses and visitors on reducing their emissions and highlights key projects and programmes of work which will help support the city meet its ambitious climate targets.

Launching the website today, Chamber Chief Executive Liz McAreavey said:

“If ever we needed a further wake up call to the danger posed by global warming and climate change, then the recent publication of the “Code Red for Humanity” report by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, spelled out the dangers in the starkest terms to us all.

“Scotland hosts the UN’s COP26 conference on climate change this year, in a nod to the leadership our small nation is showing in tackling this most global of issues. A national target of achieving net zero carbon by 2045 is ambitious but is exceeded by Edinburgh’s aim to achieve net zero by 2030.

“It is heartening to see that our country and our Capital is playing such a big role, and businesses are playing a prominent part in that effort. Our universities are the vanguard of research, our banks are helping drive environmental change by targeting “green finance.” Our infrastructure businesses are pivoting away from fossil fuels and leading the charge to renewable energy. Our farmers are moving to more sustainable practices and buying local will play a vital role in reducing the carbon footprint of our daily lives. Our construction companies are using innovative new building methods. Our shops, our hotels, our restaurants, our transport companies – all are doing all they can to make their impact on the world a better one.

“Businesses want to play their part in the changes we need. It makes sense for the world, and so it must make sense for business. Consumers want change – all the research shows that sustainability is increasingly a key driver for buying decisions. Ensuring we beat global warming isn’t down to anyone else, it is down to each and every one of us.

This site and our events programme will provide a link to all that action and activity and provide a one stop point of information to support residents, businesses and visitors hoping to participate locally in COP26”

Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Adam McVey said:

“The Net Zero Edinburgh website is a really helpful tool for ensuring we can all play our part in supporting COP26 to become a successful global event with a lasting positive impact for Edinburgh.

“As Scotland hosts COP26, the world’s eyes are on us, including Edinburgh as Scotland’s capital. We want to make sure this global event leaves a legacy of climate action across the city, and encourages residents, businesses, partners and visitors to continue to support Edinburgh meet its climate targets.

“Our city’s transition to net zero by 2030 is key to ensuring a sustainable future for Scotland and our planet. By showcasing local climate action, the website helps to demonstrate the breadth of ways in which Edinburgh offers a huge opportunity to make positive change, invest in net zero action and ensure our young people inherit a thriving, sustainable city – a cleaner and healthier Edinburgh to live and work.”

Depute Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Cammy Day said:

“As a result of Edinburgh taking climate action and setting a target of net zero by 2030, new and exciting opportunities have been created for the city.

“As a hub for net zero innovation, Edinburgh is leading green ambition and industry. And this new website helps to highlight some of key ways in which we’re co-creating a healthy, clean and sustainable future for our city.

“As the world comes to Scotland for COP26, we are confident that Edinburgh and its citizens will be prepared for this global climate event. And with our strong record of local climate action, individuals, communities and businesses across the city are playing their part in tackling climate change and creating a thriving net zero future which benefits everyone.”

The site can be found at www.netzeroedinburgh.org

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce,  said:

  

“The British Chambers of Commerce has led business calls for an extension of at least a year on the easement for CE markings on imported industrial goods, spare parts, and components.   

  

“Businesses will welcome this reprieve until 1 January 2023, which will protect supply chains and make a huge difference to consumers on the availability of items such as phones and laptops. 

  

“There is currently a lack of testing capacity to enable the retesting of decades worth of CE marked items for the new UKCA specification, so this measure will be hugely important in allowing time for that capacity to be built and for retesting to take place. 

  

“A wider problem does still exist however – complex supply chains such as those in the automotive industry still face having to duplicate markings on certain components and incurring large costs for testing as a result. This could compromise the output of these industries, limit availability of goods for consumers and create mounting cost pressures on British businesses. 

  

“The Government needs to work now with businesses to ensure full consideration to the impacts are given before any decision to completely pull the plug on CE-marked goods, risking incurring costs to our economy that we may come to regret.” 

Commenting on ONS Trade figures for June 2021, published today, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“There has been a slight decrease in overall exports (by £0.6bn) which has been matched by a slight increase in imports (by £1bn).

“The export data has been driven by increased sales to the EU (by 1.2%) as demand picked up following the release of lockdowns and the unbundling of pre-Brexit stockpiles – as firms begin to reorder. By contrast non-EU exports fell by 5.6% between May and June this year.

“The rise in EU imports was largely down to more cars coming into the UK. By contrast car exports to non-EU countries saw falls over the last few months, partly explained by staff and semiconductor shortages.

“Although most goods sectors saw rises in EU orders, the UK chemicals sector was a notable benefactor from the rise in EU exports due to the pickup in vaccination levels in the EU since Q1.

“Compared with Q1 exports/imports of goods were up by 12% in second quarter of 2021. For EU trade exports were up 26% over that period and imports by 12%.

“However, the overall trade deficit widened in Q2 2021 to £5.7bn, showing more action is needed to promote export-led growth.

“Compared with Q2 2018, the last stable period before EU exit, total exports, including the EU, were down by 4.4% and imports by 2%. Comparing June 2021 with June 2018, total UK exports (including to the EU) were down by 7.4% and imports by 2%.

“This is a further signal of the dampening effect on EU-UK trade caused by the move to the new trading arrangements under the TCA. We will continue to monitor this over the coming months as further data emerges.”

The full ONS Trade figures for June 2021 can be found here.