Published on: 15 February 2021
The UK Government has announced a new £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund to help small businesses adjust to new customs procedures and Rules of Origin requirements.
Through the newly announced support fund, businesses which employ up to 500 employees and which have an annual turnover of no more than £100 million may be entitled to up to £2,000.
The fund is designed to support small businesses which trade with the EU and are new to importing and exporting processes. The funds can be used to pay for practical support including training and professional advice. Eligible businesses must have been established in the UK for at least 12 months before submitting their application, or they must hold Authorised Economic Operator status and have had no issues meeting their previous tax or customs obligations.
For further information on the grant and for details of how to apply, click here.
The Business Secretary has also written a letter to businesses setting out the rules they need to follow when trading with the EU under our new relationship. This includes declaring goods being sent to the EU, what fast parcel operators and express couriers can do as part of this process, and the conditions in which goods can be VAT zero-rated.
British Marine members can contact the Government’s Business Support Helpline for free advice on the following numbers.
England: 0800 998 1098
Scotland: 0300 303 0660
Wales: 0300 060 3000
Northern Ireland: 0800 181 4422