Melton businesses urged to get ready for Brexit as deadline looms

A raft of new rules will apply to the way the business sector operates when the Brexit transition period is completed at the end of this year, particularly for those firms which deal with companies in Europe or who employ overseas nationals.

A recent phone survey organised by Leicestershire County Council found that only eight per cent of the county’s businesses identified EU Exit as a major obstacle on their horizon.

And the Local Resilience Forum (LRF) is concerned that many county businesses have been so focused on the Covid-19 pandemic, that Brexit issues have slipped off their radar completely.

Bev Smith, chief executive of North West Leicestershire District Council, and who chairs the countywide LRF working group tasked with supporting the region to be prepared for the EU exit, said: “It is a concern for us that January 1 will come round very quickly and businesses won’t be ready for it.

“It’s completely understandable that attentions are elsewhere – it’s been a tough year for businesses and we’re in the middle of our second national lockdown.

“Unfortunately though this doesn’t change the fact that the transition period will end in a matter of weeks, and our businesses simply have to be ready.”

She added: “The last thing Leicestershire needs is further disruption and confusion in our business community in the new year.

“This can be prevented by taking action now, but time is running out.

“This is a plea from us to use the government’s tools and information to check your businesses is prepared, and if you need further help our local authorities stand ready to support you.”

Businesses are asked to complete a checklist at www.gov.uk/transition to understand what they need to do to be prepared for Brexit.

Kevin Harris, chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership board of directors, commented: “We’re doing as much as we can to support our businesses to be ready for EU Exit in time for January 1.

“Through our Business Gateway Growth Hub service we’ve been running one-to-one support sessions and webinars to give tailored and in-depth advice to those that need help – and these will continue to be run on a weekly basis.

“Local authorities are reaching out to businesses too, offering their support and advice.

“The bottom line is though that only businesses owners themselves can take the steps required to prepare – and the time to act is now.”

Go to www.bizgateway.org.uk/events to book online one-to-one support sessions and webinars.