How we made EU trade work
TWO ENTREPRENEURS REVEAL HOW A LITTLE PREPARATION AND GOVERNMENT HELP MEANS THEIR BUSINESS WITH EUROPE IS RUNNING SMOOTHLY
THE UK has left the EU and the Brexit transition period is over. We are no longer part of the EU customs union, single market or VAT area – and doing business with Europe has changed.
The new deal means the UK can now regulate in a way that suits our economy and businesses. Rather than being bound by EU rules, the UK is able to trade more innovatively and effectively.
However, there are new rules on exports, imports, tariffs, hiring and travel, so you may need to take action to keep your business moving. This is especially important after the challenges of the pandemic.
The UK Government will continue to help and engage with companies in sectors affected by the new relationship with the EU, to assist them in adapting to the changes.
For many business owners, the first stop will be the Brexit checker tool at gov.uk/transition. It’s simple to use: just answer questions about your business to receive a personalised list of actions to take. It also signposts advice, including webinars, helplines and guides.
IMPORTANT EXPORTS
Business owner Thea Paraskevaides knows the importance of getting to grips with the Brexit changes. She and her husband Tim run Beaumont Music, based near Brighton, which sells contemporary accessories for instruments, from polka dot flute cases to kimono silk violin bags.
Around 60 per cent of Beaumont’s sales are exports to the EU, so Thea familiarised herself with the new rules. “EU exports are important to us so I needed to understand the changes quickly,” she says. “The information at gov.uk/transition has been invaluable, and we have continued to reference it.”
Time is running out to apply to the SME Brexit Support
Fund as it closes on June 30. Eligible businesses can apply for up to £2,000 for support, such as training and professional advice. Thea explains: “The fund gave us much-needed help and advice to assist with the planning of supply chains between the
UK and the EU. As a result, we have registered for VAT in seven European countries where we are now holding stock, allowing us to distribute our goods quickly and easily within the EU.”
The Trader Support Service (TSS) helps businesses navigate the changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It’s a free service that’s helpful if you need support completing declarations or getting advice on transporting goods. The TSS will submit customs and safety and security declarations on your behalf. Sign up at gov.uk/tradersupportservice.
Lynsey Bleakley’s bakery Bumble & Goose sells brownies and biscuits via mail order across the UK, Northern Ireland and the EU, and is based in Bangor. Lynsey used the Brexit checker tool and TSS to ensure she was prepared. “We followed the guidance and it allowed us to keep delivering, unhindered by customs delays,” she explains.
This help has been crucial, as Bumble & Goose’s percentage of EU-based customers increases. “As we continue to offer EU delivery, we’ve picked up new customers who
specifically need our service.”
Finally, if your business moves agri-food goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, there are new rules and you may need to obtain certificates. The free Movement Assistance Scheme offers advice, a helpline and financial support. For instance, you won’t be charged for certain certification costs.
HELPING EACH OTHER
We followed the guidance and it allowed us to keep delivering unhindered by customs delays LYNSEY BLEAKLEY, BUMBLE & GOOSE BAKERY
For firms exporting goods out of the UK, the online tool at gov. uk/check-duties-customsexporting helps them identity the correct commodity codes, duty rates and rules of origin.
Both women agree the support has helped them continue trading successfully. Thea advises starting with the Brexit checker tool, but also suggests: “Reach out to other businesses to see how you can help each other.”