The biggest political impact in the upcoming years will be the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. RIBA have created a Policy note to discuss ways in architects must continue to promote exportation and relationships overseas.
[Some of] RIBA’s 10 recommendations for Government
(to boost Britain's architectural exports and support around the world):
- Retain mutual recognition of professional qualifications
- System of priority access for business travellers
- Improved government – industry working, with creative industries Trade Board
- More accessible and transparent promotion of government trade support to small practices
- More in-country support with dispute resolution, non-payment and regulatory challenges
All of the suggestions embody the general message of retaining relationships with European countries - of which the most significant cost and time issue will be if architects qualifications are no longer recognised.
RIBA, May 2018, RIBA Policy Note – Boosting the UK’s architectural exports, RIBA. Available at: https://www.architecture.com/-/media/gathercontent/riba-council-elections-2018/additional-documents/ribaboostingtheuksarchitecturalexportspdf.pdf. Access date: 07/10/2019
Brexit challenges (other than above):
- ‘Sustaining affordable EU product supply and ability to specify product standards.’
Our ability to specify requirements for a given standard will ensure that the promotion of businesses in the UK and that product standards are maintained.
Brexit opportunities:
- New partnerships with non – EU traders, e.g. Asian countries where they are experiencing rapid growth.
Importance of international relationship - in terms of trade?
Regardless of the Brexit issues trade and relationships with other countries are vital due to the fact that international projects produce over 70% of revenue for larger practices.
However, with smaller practices, it equates to less than 10% of their revenue.
The RIBA 2018 Brexit Survey revealed that 1 in 5 architects wanted to export overseas, but currently most practices only work in the UK. This reveals that expansion is desired which places the importance of maintaining these international relations.
However, RIBA does also state that the best way to maintain/improve trade during this testing period of time is not through individual trade missions, instead building relationships and capacity should be the aim.
RIBA, May 2018, The RIBA urges the Government to unlock the UK's full export potential, RIBA, available at: https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/knowledge-landing-page/riba-calls-on-the-government-to-unlock-export-potential. Date accessed: 07/10/2019.
Edited by Olivia Walton
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