Advocacy / Government Information
FOCAL International's objective is to support and safeguard the audio-visual industry through the advocacy work it undertakes on behalf of its members.
FOCAL has close ties and/or members of other associates such as CCAAA (Co-ordinating Council of AudioVisual Archives Associations) FAUK (Film Archive UK) and the Creative Industry Federation that share our aims to protect the creative industry and promote fair and effective use of copyright works and IP rights.
We keep a close eye on the latest news on copyright and legal issues, responding to government consultations and attend annual meetings with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).
Coronavirus (Covid-19)
Business Support
The following is the latest UK Government support information available to employers and the self-employed, including sole traders and limited company directors. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants, whether your business is open or closed.
Foreign Travel Advice
All the latest travelling abroad information, including safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.
Brexit - UK & EU New Rules 2021
The Transition Period ends December 2021
The UK left the EU at the beginning of the year, followed by a transition period which comes to an end December 2020. What are the new rules from January 2021 and how will this affect your business?
The government launched a campaign over the summer to help businesses and individuals prepare for the end of the transition period.
Travelling for Business
As well as the actions all travellers need to take, there are extra actions if you’re travelling to the EU for business.
Changes to copyright law from 1 January 2021
Government guidance information covers the impacts on UK right holders, businesses, cultural heritage institutions and consumers. It is not legal advice.