Brexit workshops get small businesses ready to trade

DIT hosted 2,047 small business traders at its bespoke workshops during September and October this year, aimed to help them develop personalised plans to continue and increase their trade after we leave the EU. 

While overseas demand for British goods and services has never been higher, with exports climbing by £19.4 billion to £654.2 billion in the 12 months to August 2019, many small businesses favour trading with the EU. Research shows 79 per cent of exporting SMEs export to EU (non-UK) countries whereas 67 per cent currently export outside the EU. 

According to the government, 86 per cent of small businesses felt more prepared for Brexit as a result of the DIT's workshops.

Topics covered in each workshop included: paperwork needed to continue exporting; the impact of Brexit on supply chains; changes to regulations and contracts; where to find tariff information; commodity codes and duty rates; and business travel to the EU.

"The world is ready to trade with the UK and I want businesses of all sizes to make the most of the fantastic opportunities on offer," said international trade secretary Liz Truss.

"We have already signed trade continuity agreements accounting for £100 billion of UK trade to safeguard the needs of our exporters.

"But there is more we can do. That’s why our network of International Trade Advisors and experts from across the country will keep working directly with businesses to get them ready for trading after Brexit," said Ms Truss.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) secures UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment.