Time to get to grips withnewtradingrules

SUPPORT IS IN PLACE TO HELP COMPANIES ADAPT TO THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS

NEW rules are in place for businesses now the UK has left the

EU and the Brexit transition period is over. Businesses have been adapting to new trading processes since January and, while many are already making the arrangements work for them, others are still catching up with the changes.

Any business who needs extra support and guidance in adapting to the new rules can make use of a wealth of resources on the gov.uk website, including the Brexit Checker tool, online webinars and stepby-step guides. The Government has also launched a £20million Brexit Support Fund, giving practical support for SMEs to continue to trade effectively with the EU.

The new arrangements include changes to trade and customs procedures, and businesses who export goods to the EU must now make customs declarations. Businesses can make declarations themselves, but many use an intermediary such as a courier, freight forwarder or customs agent to help ensure processes run smoothly.

Essex-based logistics firm

Woodland Group manages global supply chains from its owned locations across Europe, the US and Asia.

“Around 30 per cent of our business is in Europe, so it’s a big market for us,” says company director Iain Rowlands, who says the company has worked hard to prepare for the new processes.

In addition to logistics work,

Woodland Group carries out thousands of new customs entries every month, as well as offering warehouse and fulfilment facilities to clients across the UK and

Europe. The company has just opened a new fulfilment and distribution facility in South Yorkshire.

“At this point we’re completing more than 3,000 customs entries per month that we wouldn’t have done previously” says Iain, as UK businesses who deal with Europe are turning to them for support with new paperwork requirements.

So what advice would Iain give to companies still getting to grips with the new arrangements? “First, get the basics right, taking all the government support there is,” he says.

“Then I’d say lean on industry experts. Reach out to the specialists out there who have been working on all this for a long time to find the best solutions.

“It might seem like a lot to tackle – and we’ve certainly had some difficult moments – but the quicker we adjust and embrace the opportunities that come through solving a challenge, the better everyone will do.”

First get the basics right, then lean on industry experts IAIN ROWLANDS DIRECTOR, WOODLAND GROUP