News from our partners: Chamber of Commerce free Brexit roadshows to help businesses prepare

News from our partners Shropshire Chamber of Commerce

With 42 per cent of SMEs unsure about how to prepare for Brexit, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has launched a series of free roadshows across the county to help individuals and businesses stay ahead.

The free “Five Days of Brexit Readiness” roadshow campaign will run from 21 October to 25 October 2019 across Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Telford, providing attendees with a choice of full-day and half-day courses to learn what they may need to do to prepare their businesses for potentially leaving the EU on 31 October 2019.

5 Days of Brexit Readiness

Richard Sheehan, Chief Executive of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, explained:

“Shropshire is a great place to do business, but we recognise the uncertainty Brexit has caused for many businesses — with many not knowing how, or even if, it will affect the way they operate.

“That’s why we’re pleased to be able to bring a roadshow focused entirely on providing clarity and support for our region’s business community, as well as utilising our team’s ability to provide the most up-to-date information, advice and guidance in the event of a no deal Brexit.”

Launched to run alongside the Government’s “Get Ready for Brexit” campaign, the roadshow in Shropshire will see a range of speakers discussing topics that may impact business owners, with a Q&A session and pre-booked one-to-one sessions provided.

Richard added:

“All are welcome to attend the full-day or half-day courses, and they’ll be particularly valuable to those currently or potentially operating in an export environment. Places are limited, so I’d encourage anyone interested in attending to visit Shropshire Chamber website to secure their free space.”

The Five Days of Brexit Readiness campaign has been made available through funding from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and supported by the Marches Growth Hub and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). 

Further information

Get Ready for Brexit – Government campaign

Government research shows that only 50% of the population think it’s likely the UK will leave the EU on 31 October, 42% of small-to-medium sized businesses are unsure of how they can get ready, and just 31% of the British public have looked for information on how to prepare for Brexit.

Audiences including UK citizens intending to travel to Europe and all exporters to the EU will be targeted, alongside groups requiring particular information such as the equine industry and legal professions. Some of the key actions audiences need to take include:

• Acquiring an Economic Operator Registration and Identification number to export to the EU. Businesses that are VAT registered will automatically issued an EORI number, but micro businesses still need to register themselves.
• Obtaining the correct documents to transport goods at the border.
• Applying for the vital support packages available for businesses, such as grants.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove said:

“Ensuring an orderly Brexit is not only a matter of national importance, but a shared responsibility.

“This campaign will encourage the country to come together to Get Ready for Brexit on 31 October.

“Advertising accompanied with targeted road shows and events will drive people to GOV.UK, which has a new checker tool so audiences can identify what they need to do to get ready for Brexit quickly.

“There will be how to videos and step by step guides – so whether you are a small business owner, haulier or EU citizen residing in the UK – the actions you need to take to prepare will be clear and simple.”

Shropshire Council also has information about preparing for Brexit on its website – click here.