Brexit readiness ‘paid off’

CHAMBER WELCOME BREXIT DEAL

DUNDALK Chamber of Commerce have issued thousands of ‘Certificates of Origin’ for companies across the north east to ensure they can continue trading with the UK post Brexit.

Chamber PRO, Paddy Malone said a Brexit deal had been welcomed, as ‘ the best we could have hoped for.’

‘We had the support of Europe behind us, and the Northern Ireland Protocol being approved days after Joe Biden won the election. We were fortunate to have had friends behind us.’

He added that the Brexit preparations by businesses, particularly along the border region where it could have impacted most, has ‘ paid off.’

‘We have issued literally thousands of Certificates Origin for companies across the region, so it was a sign that businesses were making the preparations they needed to.’

He added that these documents are not needed for trading between north and south, following the Northern Ireland Protocol, and cross border business and trading should continue ‘fairly similar’ to what it has been.’

‘For very small micro businesses in and around the Dundalk area, they should be able to do business across the border in pretty much the same way they have always done. That is the great news, and for any issues that might arise Intertrade Ireland are there to help and guide them through it.’

He admitted that for some industries, ‘particularly the agri sector, there may be challenges in exporting to the UK, with additional paperwork needed that could slow things down.’