The Business Intelligence and Readiness Directorate for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has released their latest Business Readiness Bulletin dated 16th March 2020.
Although the UK along with other nations are working hard to deal with the fall out from the coronavirus, Brexit is stull bubbling along in the background. The latest Bulletin is aimed at keeping trade associations, business representative bodies and business intermediaries up to date on the latest guidance for business whilst the UK is in the transition period, which will last until the end of the year.
The bulletin aims to provide you and your networks/members with important information from the Government to help prepare for the transition period. Further details and information on subscribing to the bulletin can be obtained from sed@beis.gov.uk.
Future Relationship with the EU
NEW – The first round of negotiations between the EU and UK began on 2 March. Given the latest COVID-19 developments, EU and UK negotiators have jointly decided not to hold face-to-face negotiations in London. Both sides are currently exploring alternative ways to continue discussions, including, if possible, the use of video conferences.
It is the government’s aim to secure a comprehensive free trade agreement as well as agreement on questions such as fisheries, internal security and aviation. Full details on the future relationship the UK’s approach to negotiations has been published here.
The UK’s approach to trade negotiations with the US
NEW – A new policy paper has been published setting out the UK’s objectives in trade negotiations with United States of America here.
Business Support Website
NEW – The government has recently launched a Business Support campaign bringing together in one place a range of government business support and advice. For more information, visit www.businesssupport.gov.uk.
Digital tool for exporters of goods from the UK
The Department for International Trade has launched ‘Check How to Export Goods’, a new digital tool to help UK businesses trade with over 160 markets around the world. The free tool will help you easily find and understand what is needed to export goods internationally. It provides product-specific and country-specific information on tariffs, regulations, the UK border and other topics all in one place. It will be updated regularly to reflect any changes to trading arrangements.
Freeports Consultation
The UK Government has launched a public consultation on Freeports policy. It is proposed that up to 10 Freeports will be introduced across the UK, which will be national hubs for trade, innovation and commerce. The Government’s aim is for Freeports to attract new businesses, jobs, investment and opportunity. You can find more information and respond to the consultation by 20 April 2020 here.
Actions you can take now that do not depend on negotiations
Following its departure from the EU on 31 January 2020 the UK is now in a transition period until the end of 2020, while the UK negotiates a free trade agreement. This link provides a list of actions of what you can do now, all transition period information and the opportunity for you to sign up to email alerts about the transition period.
Recent Announcements
NEW – The Department for International Trade have published details of which trade agreements the UK is negotiating and which trade agreements the UK has already signed can be found here – The UK’s trade agreements.
NEW – On Wednesday 11 March, the Chancellor delivered the Budget. The key messages announced can be found on Budget 2020: What you need to know