Is your business ready for a no deal Brexit?
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has launched a suite of services to help businesses prepare for a no-deal Brexit.
You can call the Chamber’s Brexit hotline – 0845 226 00 40 – to speak to dedicated advisers who can help on any Brexit-related issue from trade to IP and employment.
There is also a comprehensive new Brexit section on our website.
In addition, we will be hosting four themed Brexit workshops between now and the Government’s intended Brexit day, October 31, to ensure that businesses are well prepared.
Chief Executive Rob Johnston said: “When we carried out a Brexit-readiness survey at the start of the year, 37 per cent of businesses told us they wanted face-to-face advice and 25 per cent asked for a telephone hotline.
“We now offer both. Businesses can speak to an adviser over the phone or meet in person by appointment.
“The Brexit section on our website is very comprehensive with information on trade, legal and IP issues, employment, travel and transport, guidance for specific sectors and general advice.
“And there are podcasts and webinars to help businesses navigate the challenges posed by Brexit.
“We’re finalising details of the workshops and these will appear on an events calendar that sits alongside the other resources.”
The Chamber’s new offer follows a successful bid to the Government’s £10m Brexit Preparedness Fund. This funding means that the support is available to all Cumbrian business, not just Chamber members.
Rob added: “There’s a lot of speculation about whether a no-deal Brexit will happen on October 31.
“Parliament is determined to stop it but the Government might be able to devise legal means to circumvent MPs and there’s always the possibility that the EU could decline to extend Article 50.
“Businesses have to work on the assumption that a no-deal Brexit could happen on October 31, or soon after, and plan accordingly.
“We’re here to help you do that.”
He continued: “A no-deal Brexit will present major challenges around trade, employment and supply chains.
“There will be a substantial increase in the volume of documentation, not only for trade with the EU but for trade with any country that has a trade agreement with the EU.
“Those businesses that prepare will enjoy a huge competitive advantage over those that don’t. It makes good business sense to take steps now to ensure that you’re ready.”
© Cumbria Chamber of Commerce