Businesses warned to ‘take action now’ before the end of Brexit transition

Companies are being warned to ‘take action now’ before the end of the Brexit transition period to avoid possible delays, red tape and border chaos.
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Business Secretary Alok Sharma is writing to more than 600,000 firms urging them to attend webinars on subjects including visas, work permits and tariffs.

There will also be changes in the way businesses import and export goods, hire people from the EU and provide services in EU markets. Go to gov.uk/transition and use the checker tool.

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The warning comes as battered firms in Sheffield are braced for a further round of lockdown restrictions to combat coronavirus.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma.Business Secretary Alok Sharma.
Business Secretary Alok Sharma.

The transition period ends on 31 December 2020 when the UK will leave the customs union and single market and freedom of movement ends.

The government has published a 138-page document on export and import after the transition period. And it has announced plans for up to 10 inland sites to cope with Brexit congestion and border checks.

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Government is still negotiating a trade deal which could end in no-deal. But whatever the outcome the ‘vast majority’ of actions will need to be completed, Mr Sharma said, and there was ‘no time to waste’.

“With just 81 days until the end of the transition period, businesses must act now to ensure they are ready for the UK’s new start come January. There will be no extension to the transition period, so there is no time to waste.

“I urge all businesses across the country to check gov.uk to see what action they need to take, sign up for updates, or attend one of our sector-specific webinars.

“Businesses have a crucial role to play in ensuring a smooth transition, and we will be there to support them through this change every step of the way.”

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The first webinar, on Tuesday October 13, is about services and investment. Sign up here

Then:

Retail 14 October

Automotive 14 October

Metals and Materials 20 October

Electronics and machinery 21 October

Consumer Goods 22 October

Life Sciences 27 October

Construction 28 October

Aerospace 29 October

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