Business, Forwarding, Freight News, Logistics


Ulster trading to go under the spotlight

[ August 26, 2026   //   ]

Allied Group is one of Northern Ireland customs and trade compliance specialist Allied Group is to hold a Beyond Borders Summit at ICC Belfast on Thursday 1 October.

Supported by Danske Bank, AbbeyAutoline and Formation Works, it will examine the changes that affect how companies trade, along with customs and carbon border regulation to artificial intelligence, sustainability and changing global supply chains.

The launch follows a recent case in which Allied Group identified a potential €400,000 Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) liability for an Irish steel importer that had already researched the new requirements and carried out its own calculations. A review of one of the company’s main commodity codes identified a potential carbon liability of approximately €400,000 for 2026, which Allied Group’s modelling indicated could rise to around €780,000 by 2028.

Further investigation found that an incorrect commodity code supplied by an international supplier had been applied to the goods. Once the correct classification was established, Allied Group’s analysis found that the liability fell to zero.

Allied group managing director Stephen McAneney, said: “Brexit fundamentally changed how businesses move goods across borders. While that created challenges, it also created a unique opportunity for Northern Ireland through its dual access to both the UK Internal Market and the EU Single Market for goods.

“We’ve already seen businesses demonstrate how companies based in Northern Ireland can compete and grow internationally by leveraging that position. The opportunity extends far beyond any one sector. Manufacturers, distributors and traders across the region can use this advantage to expand exports, attract investment and reach customers on a scale that many of their competitors cannot.”

He added that Beyond Borders would allow business leaders, policymakers and industry experts to have honest conversations about the future of trade, investment and competitiveness, and how Northern Ireland can make the most of its unique position.

Meagan Faulkner, head of communications at Allied Group, said: “I was in the training session when the potential €400,000 liability was identified, and what struck me was how easily it could have been missed.

Hosted by broadcasters Ciaran May and Jim Fitzpatrick, Beyond Borders will feature more than eight speakers from business, government and industry, with confirmed contributors including Jan Joost, representing IACBAM, Kieran Kelly, Fiona Kelly, Conor Houston and Alastair James.

Sessions will examine CBAM, customs and trade compliance, the Windsor Framework, dual market access, artificial intelligence, sustainability, supply chain resilience and international expansion. Northern Ireland’s unique trading position will be a major focus, with speakers examining how access to both the UK Internal Market and the EU Single Market for goods can translate into greater investment, exports and business growth.

For further information or to get tickets, visit https://beyondborders2026.eventbrite.co.uk, or email meagan@allied-group.co.uk or call 028 3066 0988

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