Get ready for Brexit with Business West

As the Brexit negotiations enter a crucial phase, the level of noise coming out of Brussels and Westminster has reached fever pitch, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to plan for life outside the EU.

While opinion and misinformation is everywhere, facts are painfully thin on the ground. That’s why, Business West has launched Trading Through Brexit to help businesses start to plan for after March 2019.

Led by Business West Director of Policy Matt Griffith, an experienced business advisor with expertise in trade negotiations and economic policy, Trading Through Brexit is a one stop shop for trade related Brexit advice that businesses can trust.

Trading Through Brexit is a free up-to-the minute advice and guidance service that aims to deliver the latest planning information as the Brexit negotiations and eventual EU exit unfold. Central to this is a platform that enables businesses to submit burning questions to our expert team of policy and international trade experts. We'll answer as many questions as possible and share with you through regular updates and through a series of information designed to help you and other businesses understand your options and be better prepared for the future.

Here’s a taster of some of the questions Matt and his team have comprehensively answered for local businesses:

• Will I still have to pay VAT after Brexit? If so, how will it change?
• What import tariffs could be imposed on my exported products if the UK has not negotiated any trade agreements with the EU or other countries?
• Is there a simple checklist I can use to help me understand the steps I should take to prepare for Brexit?

Phil Smith, Managing Director, Business West said:

“Trading Through Brexit has been launched in response to overwhelming demand from the local business community for a one stop shop where they can access trusted, trade-related Brexit advice.

“Ever since the referendum we have worked closely with businesses to ensure that they understand what resources and plans they may need to have in place to continue to trade whatever the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.

“Our expert policy and international teams have been working tirelessly to provide one on one support and in-depth analysis. The Trading Through Brexit programme pulls together all these elements into a suite of toolkits and resources to ensure that businesses in the region are better Brexit prepared come March 2019.”

Patrick Keating, Government Affairs Department Manager, Honda Motor Europe, said:

“Business West campaigns tirelessly to help businesses overcome barriers to growth to ensure long-term and sustainable investment in our region.

“As Brexit has unfolded, Matt Griffith and his team have stepped up to the plate to fill the information void and help businesses of all sizes and in all sectors to overcome the challenges they are facing.

“The bespoke support and in-depth analysis offered as part of the Trading Through Brexit programme enables businesses to make informed decisions faster and look to the future with confidence rather than trepidation.”

Andrew Varga, Managing Director, Seetru Limited, said:

“As a manufacturer that exports over 60% of what we produce, the referendum vote came as a devastating blow, which left me fearful over the long-term future of the business.

“Business West have helped provide access to civil servants and decision makers and helped give insight into how Brexit could affect my business. Although Brexit is still crowded with uncertainty, the support from Business West gives me a much better sense of the future trading landscape and knowledge that I have a supportive partner in the months and years ahead.”

Register today at www.tradingthroughbrexit.co.uk to submit your question. We’ll also keep you informed via regular emails, which will provide a round-up of key topics raised through questions, trade related insights and links to relevant content as the negotiations unfold.

Don’t go it alone, get prepared and trade through Brexit with Business West.