NO CLIFF EDGE IN BREXIT
● NINETY THREE per cent of our members export directly to the single market. Our members want to see this bold and ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) so that they can continue to trade and operate within European markets.
However, we will push the Government to guarantee whatever transition process is put in place ensures there is no cliff edge or gap in trade.
One in five (21%) FSB members export. This could be doubled with the right tailored small business support from the Department For International Trade along with new FTAs with the fastest growing markets in the world.
Global trade will only flourish if the FTAs prevent additional barriers, such as cost and paperwork.
Small employers will welcome the pledge to maintain the UK as a true magnet for international talent.
We have pressed the Government hard to guarantee the right to remain for non-UK EU nationals in existing workforces, and no early cut-off date.
Any future system must help small firms to easily recruit the right person, for the right job, at the right time.
The Prime Minister’s other objectives show that there is a clear intention for transitional arrangements beyond the two year fixed period.
We welcome the legislative certainty that comes with the Great Repeal Bill, to maintain the regulatory framework in the medium-term by incorporating EU law into UK law.
After that, FSB will push Government and Parliament for the radical reform of the regulatory burden for small businesses.
As the UK’s negotiating team is assembled, evidence from FSB’s Brexit research programme will ensure the voice of UK small business is heard clearly. Awards 2017.
The four categories this year are: ● Inspiration award ● Fighting spirit award ● Young hero award ● Heart health professional award
These awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional contribution of our supporters, fundraisers, volunteers and partners who have made an exceptional contribution to our fight for every heartbeat.
Last year’s winners included fouryear old Ellie Payne who raised over £24,000 for the BHF and Jenny Kumar who joined friends to organise a photography exhibition in which heart patients proudly show their scars.
Since the BHF was established the annual number of deaths from heart and circulatory disease in the UK has fallen by half.
In the 1960s more than seven out of 10 heart attacks in the UK were fatal. Today at least seven out of 10 people survive – and as a result of the improvements, today and every day 200 more people will survive a heart attack in the UK alone.
We are asking readers to nominate their Heart Hero, so that we can celebrate their achievements in helping us to eradicate this devastating disease.
To find out more and to sign up, go to our website www.bhf.org.uk/ heartheroes