‘Businesses must continue to adapt’

AGILITY AND FLEXIBILITY THE KEY TO TAKING ADVANTAGE OF POST-BREXIT TRANSITION OPPORTUNITIES

THE way we trade with the EU has changed and since January 1 UK businesses are now working under a new set of rules. While many companies took steps to prepare well in advance, continuing to adapt as the new arrangements settle in has been a big help for Fife homeware brand Just Slate.

“We’d worked our way through what we could ahead of time to get the paperwork correct,” says company owner and managing director Donny Carstairs. “But the big thing for us has been adapting as the practical implications of the changes have become clear.”

Exporting from Scotland to around 35 different countries – including Germany and France – Just Slate has prioritised finding new ways of working smoothly within the new arrangements.

“Around 30 per cent of our business is with Europe, with 50 per cent in the UK and the rest elsewhere,” says Donny. “That means Europe is really important to our success – not least because it’s a key focus area for growth.

“Selling in the EU works so well for us because there’s a different culture of retailer there, where you get lots of smaller independent shops looking at homes and interiors. It’s places like that where our products work really well.

“For us, finding our way into family shops in Lyon and Dusseldorf has been a big part of our success. Even during the challenges of Covid last year, when countries right across Europe were closing their retailers through lockdowns, we saw an increase in EU business.”

And in a positive sign of things to come, a new deal with a German company will bring around €50,000 to Just Slate later this month. “That’s great news for us,” says Donny, “and proof that if you work to get the detail right and keep those avenues open with Europe, the opportunities are there.

“We’ve done lots of work over the last couple of months to get to where we are. One of the main sticking points was with VAT because we didn’t want any extra cost or hassle falling to our customers.

“I think the thing businesses need to do at this point is take the bull by the horns and really get into the detail.

“We’re finding our way around things and I’m doing all sorts of Zoom meetings and webinars to plug away and get it right.

“There might be a bit of a spend, but in the grand scheme of things getting it right will open doors for us – and that’s the direction we want to be going.”

for trading in the new era

Buying and selling

You must now make customs declarations when exporting goods to the EU. You can make these yourself but most businesses use an intermediary such as a freight forwarder or customs agent. Make sure you have an EORI number starting with GB. You’ll also need to check that the EU business you’re exporting to is ready. For trade with countries outside the EU, check for any changes to tariffs.

Moving goods between gB and ni

Sign up to the freeto-use Trader Support Service for help and advice. Grace periods are in place for certain goods, and the Movement Assistance Scheme will support agrifood businesses.

Buying goods from the eu

Businesses need to take the bull by the horns DONNY CARSTAIRS MANAGING DIRECTOR, JUST SLATE

Depending on value, VAT will apply to goods imported from the EU as from the rest of the world. There is no VAT on goods under £135 – unless excise goods – so this shouldn’t be charged to customers.

avoid border hold-ups

Hauliers should use the “Check an HGV is ready” service to ensure they have the right documents, and to get a Kent Access Permit if travelling via Dover or Eurotunnel. Hauliers should also have proof of an authorised negative Covid-19 test before arriving in Kent.

extra help

Support is there to help you manage new processes – including dedicated helplines, webinars with policy experts, video explainers and step-by-step guides. Use the UK Government’s Brexit Checker tool to get personalised actions for your business.