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Government sends 'urgent message' to businesses on need to prepare for EU exit

Government sends 'urgent message' to businesses on need to prepare for EU exit
Dan Martin
Dan MartinDan Martin Content & Events

Posted: Mon 12th Oct 2020

Businesses should take action now to prepare for the end of the transition period for Britain's exit from the European Union or risk disruptions to their operations, the business secretary has warned.

In a message sent to 600,000 firms, Alok Sharma says with 80 days until the end of the transition period and no extension possible, "you need to act now".

Regardless of whether the UK secures a trade agreement with the EU, from 1 January 2021 there will be guaranteed changes to the way businesses import and export goods, the process for hiring people from the EU and the way businesses provide services in EU markets.

"Unless you take action, there is a risk business operations will be interrupted," Sharma says in the message. "You should also check with your suppliers and customers that they are taking action."

The government is encouraging businesses to use an online checker tool for advice on what they need to do to prepare.

Businesses that import goods from the EU can access advice here and those that export to the EU can find guidance here.

Other issues that businesses need to consider are:

Sector specific EU exit business advice

The Department of Business is also running a series of webinars with spector-specific guidance. The agenda is as follows:

Dan Martin
Dan MartinDan Martin Content & Events
I'm a freelance content creator and event host who helps small businesses and the organisations that support them. I have 18 years of experience as a small business journalist having interviewed hundreds of entrepreneurs from billionaires like Sir Richard Branson to the founders behind brand new start-ups. I've worked for a range of leading small business publications and support groups, most recently as head of content at Enterprise Nation where I was responsible for the prolific output of content on the company's blog and social media. I'm based in Bristol where I run and host regular events with the local small business community and have strong connections to major business organisations in the south west region. In total, I've hosted over 50 events; from intimate meet-ups to conferences with an audience of hundreds including events for international brands like Facebook and Xero. I'm also a big fan of podcasts having hosted Enterprise Nation's Small Business Sessions as well as lots of online events including Facebook Live interviews, webinars and three live web chats from inside 10 Downing Street. With my partner, I co-run Lifestyle District, a lifestyle blog focused on culture, art, theatre and photography. I'm here to help. I'm volunteering free advice calls of up to an hour as part of the Recovery Advice for Business scheme, over the next 6 months. Please get in touch to see how I can help your business. 

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