THE East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has got top marks for its work to help local businesses with exporting paperwork.

The body, representing local companies, has once gain been granted 'Exemplary Status' on the processing and certification service which is rolled out to assist them on their International Trade activities.

After a vigorous inspection audit by its national supervisory body, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce passed with flying colours.

The BBC said it had an outstanding record on certifying export documentation and had continued to maintain the 'Exemplary Standards' necessary for the top status.

The East Lancs Chamber of Commerce International Business Team carefully check and certify thousands of exporter’s documents each year, along with offering a full support package which is crucial for businesses to ensure the goods arrive at their country of destination smoothly and can be cleared through customs quickly.

This ensures that businesses large and small can build and keep a sustainable working relationship with their overseas customers.

Mike Damms, chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: "The national imperative is to double exports and the Chamber’s responsibility is to help its members export safely, without delay and effectively.

"We are pleased that we are consistently accredited as setting one of the highest standards in the country.

"Our members can rightly have trust in the support that we provide across a range of trade services and in our care on their behalf."

Marie White, the chambers international business officer and export documentation manager has regular face to face contact with local exporting companies, said: "I see the hard work and dedication the team puts into looking after our customers every single day and it’s reassuring to pass with such high standards.

"This service complements the wide range of other International trade services the Chamber offers our local companies."

The British Chambers of Commerce accreditation system is designed to evaluate and improve the performance of local Chambers of Commerce.

Accreditation helps to identify and promote good practice.

The results of each external assessment is reviewed by the BCC Accreditation Board, comprising Chamber representatives from around the United Kingdom, including business non-executives, Chamber chief executives and a BCC board representative.