Sheffield MP urges bosses to speak out on Brexit damage

Paul Blomfield wants bosses to give evidence to the new cross-party Trade and Business Commission. It aims to come up with solutions to difficulties caused by Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

Since it came into force in January, thousands of firms have reported problems with red tape and new charges, including in Sheffield.

The commission includes 11 MPs, business leaders and experts. It is due to hold a live evidence session on Thursday, May 27.

It comes after economists told the commission last month that small businesses have been particularly impacted by Brexit.

It also heard from food industry representatives who warned many smaller firms were giving up on trade with Europe because of the additional paperwork and bureaucracy.

Business owners can submit evidence here: https://www.tradeandbusiness.uk/evidence

Meanwhile, the impact of Brexit is becoming clearer, according to the latest research from Close Brothers Asset Finance, which said business costs have increased at four in 10 UK SMEs.

A Kantar survey of 900 SME owners in the UK and Ireland in mid-April found 56 per cent of respondents were concerned about the impact on trading, 39 per cent said importing goods from the EU had been affected, while for exports the figure was 33 per cent.

“Brexit continues to resonate around the UK’s business landscape, and will do for the foreseeable future,” said Neil Davies, CEO, of Close Brothers’ Commercial division.

“What we’ve found is access to goods and services from, and to, the EU is causing the biggest headaches.”

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Thank you. Nancy Fielder, editor.