Policy briefing: Brexit and EU negotiations

The ratification of the TCA allows for a turning point in the relationship between the UK and EU. For business, the key objective is normalisation of the trading relationship. In the Times Red Box, CBI Director-General, Tony Danker, called for partnership and pragmatism - essential for both economies as we look to the future. Business is clear, that a positive trading relationship with our largest and nearest neighbour is essential for our economy recovery, improving levels of business investment and tackling the biggest challenges of our generation depend on it.

The CBI has identified ten immediate practical actions both sides can take to stabilise relations and strengthen cooperation: ranging from business travel, to goods travelling between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. These actions have been shared with political leaders of both sides, as part of the CBI’s ongoing dialogue with government. By taking these steps, leaders will help protect the trading relationship in the years ahead.

One immediate action is for both sides to establish the governance structures which will oversee the implementation of the TCA. Headed by a Partnership Council, and consisting of 23 specialised committees, these joint structures will be responsible for the oversight, amendment, and dispute settlement for the TCA. For business, this will be essential to better handle difficulties and disputes while the TCA continues to be implemented on the ground. It will also provide channels for business to feed in the realities of the new trading relationship.

The government also have various support including grants and helplines available for business. The SME Brexit Support Fund is open until the 30 June 2021. Through this fund, the government fund that can grant SMEs up to £2000 to help businesses with training or professional advice on changes to UK-EU trade, including on customs, software and importing and exporting. The government has also produced a list of the main transition related helplines covering a range of issues, from customs procedures and tariffs, to data and labelling.

The CBI is interested in hearing from services firms from all sectors in the UK about the impact of the TCA on the way you trade in services with the EU. Please, get in touch to share how the new UK-EU relationship is impacting your firm in carrying out your business activity. As ever, the CBI is constantly communicating the latest insight to the highest levels of government. Please, get in touch to share what you’re experiencing and share any support that your business needs.

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Get involved:

How is the new UK-EU trading relationship impacting your business? Want to share how you’re being affected by Brexit? The CBI is constantly communicating the latest insight to the highest levels of government and is actively influencing the government’s preparations. Get in touch to share what you’re experiencing and what you want to see done about it.

Services firms: what are the main challenges you are facing post Brexit? Share how you’re being affected by the new trading relationship with the EU and what you want to see done about it