Businesses are being urged to be ready for Brexit
CONCERN FIRMS DISTRACTED BY COVID-19 FROM PREPARATIONS
THE pandemic has distracted businesses from taking crucial action needed before the UK leaves the European Union, according to a strategic planning group.
The Local Resilience Forum (LRF), Leicestershire and Rutland spoke out to remind companies time is running out for them to ensure they have done what they need to do.
A recent survey by Leicestershire County Council found only eight per cent of businesses identified the impending EU exit as a major obstacle on their horizon
Bev Smith, chief executive of North West Leicestershire District Council, chairs the countywide LRF working group supporting the region to be prepared for EU exit.
She said: “It is a concern for us that January 1 will come round very quickly and businesses won’t be ready for it.
“It’s completely understandable that attentions are elsewhere. Unfortunately, this doesn’t change the fact the transition period will end in a matter of weeks and businesses simply have to be ready.
“The last thing Leicestershire needs is further disruption and confusion in our business community in the new year.
“This can be prevented by taking action now, but time is running out.
“This is a plea from us to use the government’s tools and information to check your businesses is prepared.
“If you need further help, local authorities stand ready to support you.”
Key points businesses need to be aware of include:
New customs procedures that will affect goods sold to the EU;
Visas or work permits may now apply for business travel to EU destinations;
The new immigration system may impact overseas nationals working for local firms;
Businesses that receive personal data from contacts in the EEA may need to take extra steps to ensure that the data can continue to flow legally;
Ensure qualifications that allow businesses to practice or service clients in the EU are recognised by EU regulations.
Kevin Harris, chairman of Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership board of directors, said: “We’re doing as much as we can to support our businesses to be ready for EU exit in time for January 1. “Through our Business Gateway Growth Hub service we’ve been running one-to-one support sessions and webinars to give tailored and in-depth advice to those that need help – and these will continue to be run on a weekly basis. “Local authorities are reaching out to businesses, too, offering their support and advice.
“The bottom line is, though, that only businesses owners themselves can take the steps required to prepare – and the time to act is now.” LRF leaders hope that by preparing now, the impact on trade and therefore the economy will be kept to a minimum in January.
Mrs Smith said: “We’re not expecting the end of the transition to cause major issues if we are collectively prepared for it.
“It’s a big ask for businesses to divert their focus away from Covid19 to address EU exit – and we wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t essential.
“By working together we will be ready for January 1 – please take advantage of the support available and see Leicestershire and Rutland safely negotiate the end of the transition period.”
Business Gateway Growth Hubs in Leicestershire and Rutland are offering offering one-to-one support sessions to businesses.
“The bottom line is, though, that only businesses owners themselves can take the steps required to prepare – and the time to act is now.”