Preparing for Brexit
The Chamber Network is focused on the practicalities of Brexit for businesses. Since the decision to leave the EU, the BCC has campaigned for answers to the pragmatic concerns of business.
The UK government and the European Commission must focus on the future trading relationship – and swiftly conclude a deal that minimises further adjustment costs and that answers the many practical questions that trading businesses still face.
The BCC has put together resources to help businesses prepare for the change and to assess the progress of the negotiations.
Business Brexit Checklist
While some companies are already planning for the challenges and opportunities ahead, Chambers of Commerce believe that all firms – not just those directly and immediately affected – should be undertaking a Brexit ‘health check’, and a broader test of existing business plans.
While the final settlement between the UK and EU remains to be agreed, there are steps that firms of all sizes can take now to start planning for the future. Our Business Brexit Checklist below will help companies consider the changes that Brexit may bring, and help to plan at both operational and Board level.
Brexit Risk Register
The BCC has also published the two-dozen top real-world questions being asked on Brexit by businesses across the UK, where clarity is urgently needed so that firms can plan their trade following the UK’s departure from the EU. This risk register applies to the situation beyond the transition period if an agreement is signed, and in the unwelcome event of a ‘no deal’ outcome.
As negotiations progress, Chambers of Commerce will be assessing negotiations on the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU and the Political Declaration against these questions. To date, businesses have had some assurances on the status of EU nationals in the UK workforce and on the industrial standards regime – hence the ‘amber’ ratings for these two issues.
Brexit Agreement FAQs
On 14 November the UK and European Commission jointly published an updated version of the draft Withdrawal Agreement (WA) and outline Political Declaration (PD). These documents represent the agreements reached by the UK’s and EU’s negotiating teams.
Following the publication of the Withdrawal Agreement, the BCC has put together a FAQ on the agreement and the likely next steps in the process.
Our priority is to assess the implications of these proposals, working closely with Chamber business communities across the UK.
