The UK has left the EU. There is now a transition period until the end of 2020 while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements.
The current rules on trade for the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period. New rules will take effect on 1 January 2021.
There are several sources of advice to help businesses in Northern Ireland plan for future changes.
Invest Northern Ireland
The Invest Northern Ireland information resource for Brexit aims to help businesses reduce the potential risks and maximise opportunities available.
The online service offers advice and support through information guides, as well as, tools, case studies and online tutorials. It highlights the support available from Invest NI to help local businesses plan ahead.
InterTradeIreland
InterTradeIreland’s Brexit Advisory Service provides a range of free services to help local businesses deal with the changes that the UK leaving the EU poses. There is guidance to help businesses with future planning as well as highlighting upcoming events that businesses can attend to gain further insight.
InterTradeIreland also offers two vouchers to help businesses navigate their way through future changes:
- Brexit: Planning Voucher – 100 per cent financial support up to £2000/€2250 (inclusive of VAT) towards professional advice in relation to Brexit matters. This support can help your business get advice on specific issues such as the movement of labour, goods, services and currency management.
- Brexit: Implementation Voucher – 50 per cent financial support up to £5000/€5,625 (inclusive of VAT) towards implementing critical changes in relation to Brexit matters. This support can help your business with the implementation of your Brexit plan.
Their Brexit and Beyond tool aims to provide practical online help for SMEs on how businesses can prepare for after the transition period.
Access the Brexit and Beyond online learning.
Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The NI Chamber Brexit Hub includes information to help businesses prepare for Brexit including:
- a Business Brexit checklist
- Brexit FAQ’s
- a list of Brexit resources
The NI Chamber Brexit Consultancy service provides practical assistance to members in planning for the potential implications of Brexit. This Brexit consultancy service is led by NI Chamber and is delivered by the team at Pinnacle Professional Limited.
Brexit trade-related consultations
Consultations offer an opportunity to comment on policy and issues that relate to your business. Find trade consultations from government departments: