Chambers and WMCA step up Brexit support

The WMCA, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce are working together to scale up existing support.

The programme, available between this month and February, 2021, gives local businesses access to fully-funded places on a choice of 24 accredited and non-accredited high quality international trade-focused training courses; 15 free webinars featuring guest experts on all aspects of preparing for 2021 including intellectual property, data protection and immigration; one-to-one support with customs and export documentation-related queries and digital resources, including business briefings, checklists and videos on key topics.

The UK left the EU at the end of January and entered a transition period during which nothing has changed practically for businesses. This transition period will end on December 31 and the new year will bring a significant number of changes for businesses across trade with the EU, employing non-UK citizens and more.

The UK and EU are currently undertaking negotiations on a potential trade deal. Both sides agree that in order for it to be implemented by the new year, agreement needs to be reached in October. The UK has ruled out requesting any extension to negotiations.

The UK government has released guidance on a number of areas, including the UK’s immigration system, border operating model and import tariffs post-Brexit.

Corin Crane, the BCCC’s chief executive, said: “Following months of trade deal discussions between British, EU negotiators and prospective new trading partners, most British business leaders continue to worry about the limited progress made and the consequences of no deals or partially formed agreements.

“This collaboration ensures that support is out there for our importers and exporters with the most relevant and timely detail provided to ensure that West Midland companies are able to navigate the trading landscape following the end of the transition agreement.”