Brexit News Analysis

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Northern Ireland’s “parallel universe” to create much supply-chain disruption

Mike McGrath, MD of our Irish partners, Arvo

It is guaranteed that there will be non-tariff barriers, new regulations, requirements for customs paperwork and delays on all shipping routes to, from and through the UK.

SMEs need to do a “Brexit MOT” to work out what will happen in January

Toby Harper – Time for a Brexit MOT

It will be too late in January to start wondering about what has gone wrong

Businesses look to downsize offices and encourage remote-working

Flexioffices – Businesses look to downsize offices

Ready for Brexit is independent and objective. It aims to help businesses and organisations manage the challenges and opportunities that Brexit brings. See member benefits  〉 Michael Dubicki, Business Development Director, Flexioffices This article is the view of the author and not necessarily of Ready for Brexit The Covid-19 pandemic has already led to major [...]

Time is running out for UK trade negotiations

UK-EU trade deal – Lighthizer

The side that has to settle quickly, often ends up facing a ‘take it or leave it’ choice

No Deal risks rise as trade talks develop into standoff

Barnier and Frost at EU27-UK talks

Ready for Brexit is independent and objective. It aims to help businesses and organisations manage the challenges and opportunities that Brexit brings. See member benefits  〉 Most companies are rightly focused on the managing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. But the risks of a No Deal Brexit at the end of the year are [...]

Legal challenges with COVID-19

Ready for Brexit is independent and objective. It aims to help businesses and organisations manage the challenges and opportunities that Brexit brings. See member benefits  〉 Businesses are now having to grapple with the risks that Covid-19 poses to their supply chains and their ability to fulfil contractual obligations. This article is the view of [...]

What happens next for UK business?

The UK is entering waters it has not navigated since 1973 when it joined the European Economic Community, the forerunner to the current European Union (EU).

Brexit caution impacts central London office market

DeVono Cresa say Brexit caution impacts Central London office market

Businesses have become cautious in terms of the volume of office space being taken, particularly in the central London market.

CitySprint’s Bailey says prep is key if SMEs are to survive and thrive post-Brexit

CitySprint

Rosie Bailey, director of business development at courier services provider CitySprint, warns SMEs that complacency won’t necessarily deliver their businesses safely through Brexit, preparation is key

Rocket Software’s Whomes on how tech can weather an economic downturn

recession

Richard Whomes, senior director at international business software provider Rocket Software, says tech firms must prepare themselves for recession without delay and he passes on his survival tips

Shred-it’s Osborne says it’s vital you get your data ready for Brexit

Shred-it

Ian Osborne, vice president UK & Ireland for document destruction service provider Shred-it highlights the importance of being up-to-date with data protection best practice as Brexit approaches

It’s vital that firms prepare for Brexit now says Forbes Burton’s Rick Smith

Forbes Burton

With another Brexit deadline looming, Rick Smith, managing director of business rescue and recovery consultants Forbes Burton, dives into how the break from the EU is likely to affect British businesses

Steer your firm through Brexit uncertainty with these tips from Boyes Turner

Boyes Turner

Barry Stanton, partner and Claire Taylor-Evans, senior associate, at Reading-based law firm Boyes Turner have these tips for helping businesses navigate the uncertainty surrounding Brexi

Daniel Ball of Wax Digital says supply chains must prepare for the worst

Wax Digital

Supply chains must prepare for the worst as we still remain in the dark over the future of Brexit, says Daniel Ball, business development director at international e-Procurement and spend management solutions provider Wax Digital

Protect your supply chains now from Brexit urges Odesma’s Ed Cross

supply chain

Ed Cross, executive director of Cheshire-based procurement consultancy Odesma explains why it is critical to protect your supply chains from Brexit, in whatever form it takes

HMRC’s plans for No Deal explained by accountancy firm Wellers’ partner Stuart Crook

HMRC

Stuart Crook, a partner at accountancy firm Wellers, explains the arrangements that HMRC has put in place for a No-Deal Brexit scenario and how to best prepare a business for it

Tried and Supplied founder on how the food industry can prep for Brexit

Tried and Supplied

Domini Hogg, founder of Tried and Supplied, a service that links food buyers and restaurateurs with sustainable and local British suppliers, explains how the food industry can prepare for Brexit by localising their supply chains

Institute of Economic Development’s Nigel Wilcock says No Deal will hit economy hard

Institute of Economic Development

Nigel Wilcock, executive director of the Institute of Economic Development, paints a gloomy picture of the potential economic impact of a No Deal Brexit

The Customs People co-founder explains how to simplify customs for No Deal

Customs People

David Miller, customs and AEO Consultant and co-founder of The Customs People, explains what UK exporters must do now to ensure that their goods move through customs as smoothly as possible in the event of a No Deal Brexit

The Hub Events co-founder urges HR teams to swot up on Brexit’s impact on staffing

The Hub Events

Emma Salveson, co-founder of Cheshire-based professional training provider The Hub Events on why it is so vital that HR professionals are clued up about Brexit and how it will impact on staffing

Protrade’s Des Duddy considers how the construction sector can tool up for Brexit

Protrade Ltd

Des Duddy, director of construction trade supplier Protrade Ltd, discusses the Brexit challenges and opportunities that the construction sector is facing 

Arvo’s MD Mike McGrath explains how to get your supply chain ready for Brexit

Arvo

Mike McGrath, managing director of Cork-based procurement consultancy Arvo, explains how he is advising his Irish customers to assess and where necessary alter their supply chains for Brexit

Invoice insurance could protect SMEs from Brexit uncertainty says Nimbla CEO

Nimbla

Flemming Bengtsen, founder and CEO of London-based insurtech firm Nimbla, says insuring invoices could save SMEs from bankruptcy in Brexit economic climate

Nurole CEO says NEDs with trade experience will be invaluable post-Brexit

Nurole

Susie Cummings, founder and CEO of board and C-level digital recruitment platform Nurole, highlights why adding a non-executive director (NED) with experience of European trade pre-1973 or global trade could benefit businesses trading with the EU post-Brexit

Purbeck Insurance’s Todd Davison assesses the risks of personal-guarantee finance

personal-guarantee finance

Todd Davison, director of personal guarantee insurers Purbeck Insurance Services, assesses the risks associated with personal guarantee-backed finance deals that businesses may resort to manage their cash-flow as they deal with the additional costs of Brexit

Brexit could stop data transfer between UK and EU warns Shulmans’ Goldthorpe

data transfers post-Brexit

Helen Goldthorpe, associate and commercial and IT lawyer at Leeds-based corporate law firm Shulmans LLP explains how data transfers between the UK and the EU may be stopped in their tracks post-Brexit

Capital Law’s Hoecherl explains why Europe is better prepared than the UK for no-deal

Marlies Hoecherl

Marlies Hoecherl, an international corporate lawyer and Brexit advisor at Cardiff and London-based Capital Law, outlines how Brexit will affect the UK’s relationship with key European countries and explains why these countries are better prepared than the UK for a no-deal Brexit

Portugal has a role in Payara Services plans for Brexit

Payara

Julia Millidge, co-founder of Worcestershire-based open-source infrastructure software company Payara Services Ltd, explains how a new Portugeuse base and a focus on resiliance should successfully steer the business through Brexit

DPP Business & Tax director Shahid Miah explains how No-Deal impacts VAT

VAT

Shahid Miah, director of Birmingham-based fraud solicitors, DPP Business & Tax, looks at how a No-Deal Brexit will impact on VAT

How Helping Hand Environmental plans to survive Brexit deal or no deal

Helping Hand Environmental

Lara Bryant, VP sales and marketing at Herefordshire-based litter clearance tools manufacturer Helping Hand Environmental, outlines how she plans to continue her company’s global expansion despite Brexit 

You may need an EU Representative to be GDPR compliant post-Brexit

EU Representative

Tim Bell, the founder and managing director of DPR Group, which provides EU representative services, explains why UK companies may need to appoint an EU Representative post-Brexit to remain GDPR compliant

Rocket Software’s Guy Tweedale tells tech sector prep for worst Brexit outcome

Rocket Software

Guy Tweedale, regional vice president at international business software provider Rocket Software, advises the tech industry to prepare for the worst Brexit scenario and hope for the best

E-retailers may need to reconsider how they move data and payments across borders post-Brexit warns Sphere Identity’s Katherine Noall

Sphere Identity

Katherine Noall, CEO of Sphere Identity, a global identity blockchain-based platform for identity storage and onboarding, looks at how Brexit could impact data protection and cross-border payments

Why angel investors could be a lifeline to SMEs in this period of economic uncertainty

UKBAA

Jenny Tooth OBE, CEO of the UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA), explains why business angels can offer so much more than money to SMEs, particularly in this time of Brexit-induced economic uncertainty

Steve Whiting of Agile Solutions asks is your data ready for Brexit?

Agile Solutions

Steve Whiting, chief operating officer of Milton Keynes, Manchester and Glasgow-based data integration and business intelligence specialists Agile Solutions, warns businesses not to neglect their data when planning for Brexit

Use data software to minimise Brexit’s negative effects tips Novotek UK and Ireland’s Sean Robinson

Novotek UK

Sean Robinson, service leader at industrial automation expert Novotek UK and Ireland, advises businesses to harness the latest data software to assess, manage and minimise the impact Brexit will have on their organisations

AEO status will be invaluable post-Brexit says Martin Dubbey of SafeguardAEO

AEO

Martin Dubbey, director of SafeguardAEO, and a former senior official with HMRC, explains why his company developed a software system to help with the complexity of applying for Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status and the benefits of doing so. 

Carl Reader explains how Making Tax Digital helps SMEs prepare for Brexit

Carl Reader

Carl Reader, founder of the #BeYourOwnBoss movement and chairman of business advisory firm d&t, explains how the move over to Making Tax Digital could actually help businesses prepare for Brexit

David Taylor of Flogas looks at how No-Deal could impact the UK gas industry

David Taylor, Flogas

David Taylor, head of innovation and corporate affairs at UK liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)  provider Flogas, looks at what a no-deal Brexit could mean for regulation and supply of gas in the UK

Gerry Myton of Streets Chartered Accountants sums up what SMEs can do now to prepare for Brexit

Gerry Myton

Gerry Myton, partner and head of indirect tax at England-wide Streets Chartered Accountants looks at ways to mitigate against this week’s crucial votes and what can be done now to prepare for Brexit, in whatever form it takes.

Kitagawa Europe’s Andrew Kennedy assesses the pallet options for UK exporters in a no-deal scenario

Kitagawa

Andrew Kennedy, logistics manager of engineering group Kitagawa Europe looks at the options for UK exporters whose pallets must comply with EU standards for third countries in the event of no-deal Brexit

How should export financing adapt post-Brexit ask Trade Advisory Network founders

Trade Advisory Network

Lionel Taylor and John Bugeja, founders of specialist trade and supply chain finance consulting firm the Trade Advisory Network look at how supply chain finance will likely adapt to encourage UK export outside the EU post- Brexit

Retailers must shop around to prep for Brexit says Jon White of InXpress

InXpress

Jon White, UK managing director of shipping specialist InXpress looks at how retailers can battle the unknown to mitigate Brexit disruption as best they can

Mike Cockfield of Khaos Control assesses Brexit’s impact on e-commerce

Khaos Control Solutions

Mike Cockfield, CEO of stock control software provider Khaos Control delves into what the post-Brexit future looks like for both new and established eCommerce businesses

Uncertainty is bad for UK manufacturing says Geddes of Technical Foam Services

Duncan Geddes

Duncan Geddes, managing director of Corby-based independent foam converter Technical Foam Services, explains why the biggest threat the UK’s manufacturing industry might face from Brexit is indecision and subsequently a fluctuating pound

You can’t overstate the scale of the shift to WTO rules warns former WTO trade negotiator Dmitry Grozoubinski

Dmitry Grozoubinski

Dmitry Grozoubinski, a former Australian trade negotiator at the WTO and founder of ExplainTrade, explains why trading on WTO rules in the event of a no-deal Brexit will vastly increase the workload of businesses of all shapes and forms

UK tech sector is strong enough to survive Brexit says Eggplant’s Antony Edwards

Antony Edwards, COO, Eggplant

Antony Edwards, COO of customer experience optimisation specialist Eggplant, says that Brexit will present challenges to the UK tech sector, but it’s resilient enough to surmount them

Lawyer Malcolm Dowden explains why No Deal is legally difficult, but not impossible to avoid

Malcolm Dowden

Following the Government’s defeat last night, Malcolm Dowden, legal director of law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, outlines why legally ‘no deal’ remains the default position, and the complicated legal options available to avoid this

Got an EU base? Brexit could impact your group structure warns Bhavini Kalaria

Bhavini Kalaria

From contracts to group structure, Brexit could impact several areas of your business warns Bhavini Kalaria, director and founder partner of The London Law Practice. Here she looks at what practical steps businesses can take now to be ready for Brexit

Ready For Brexit Chairman Paul Hodges explains why he set up our Brexit advice service

BBC News At One Brexit by Paul Hodges

Paul Hodges explains how Ready for Brexit developed into the only advice service for small businesses trying to navigate Brexit, in whatever form it takes

Brexit could end free transfer of data to EU warns Clive Halperin of GSC Solicitors

Clive Halperin

Clive Halperin, partner and head of corporate commercial at London-based GSC Solicitors LLP says businesses must make data transfer contingency plans and expect more data protection enforcement as a result of Brexit

SCALA’s MD John Perry urges SMEs to assess how their supply chains will withstand Brexit

SCALA

John Perry, managing director of supply chain and logistics consultancy SCALA highlights why it is so important that small businesses audit their supply chains now to protect themselves from the effects of Brexit 

Check your currency exposure and lock-in rates now tips OFX’s Jake Trask

Jake Trask

Jake Trask, FX research director at international payments company OFX, advises SMEs who work in foreign currencies to check their currency exposure and lock-in rates now to lessen the pain later

Add Brexit clauses to contracts tips Martin Reed of Incentive FM

Martin Reed Incentive FM

Martin Reed, CEO of facilities management company Incentive FM Group advises those in the facilities management industry to include clauses in their contracts that offer them protection from the uncertainty of Brexit and from open-ended cost increases

Could the cloud become a digital no-man’s land post-Brexit asks Darren Hockley

Darren Hockley

Darren Hockley, managing director of eLearning provider DeltaNet International warns that the status of data held in the cloud may not be clear post-Brexit

Transport distribution industry will be hit hard by no deal warns Shippeo’s Steve Holmes

Shippeo

Steve Holmes, UK director of European supply-chain provider Shippeo, warns that the transport distribution industry in the UK and the EU will be hit hard in the event of a no-deal Brexit

Ed Rimmer of 1pm plc urges SMEs to cover all their finance bases for Brexit

1pm plc

Ed Rimmer, group managing director of independent finance facility provider 1pm plc, says it’s vital that SMEs consider all their finance options to minimise the negative effects of Brexit

China loves British products and breaking into the market is relatively simple

Stanley Chao

Stanley Chao is the author of Selling to China: A Guide for Small for Medium-Sized Businesses and managing director of US-based consulting firm All In Consulting, which helps Western companies expand into Asia. Here he explains why entering the Chinese market is easier than you think 

Being compliant with UK legislation and EU legislation will be challenging warns Aziz Rahman

Rahman Ravelli

Aziz Rahman, senior partner at law firm Rahman Ravelli explains why UK banks and other organisations could face extra obligations following Brexit

Post-Brexit could UK businesses be tarnished by EU anti-money laundering rules?

Fieldfisher on EU anti-money laundering legislation and UK companies

Corporate crime partner Francesca Titus and corporate crime associate Elliott Kenton from European law firm Fieldfisher explain how moves to tighten up EU anti-money laundering (AML) legislation could side-line UK companies

Prep is key to surviving Brexit says Rick Smith of Forbes Burton

Forbes Burton

Rick Smith, managing director of company rescue specialists Forbes Burton is an expert at keeping struggling businesses afloat. He says if a company is to survive and thrive post-Brexit, preparation for it is key

Retailers must be creative to fill warehouse jobs post-Brexit says Brightpearl’s CEO Derek O’Carroll

Derek O'Carroll

Derek O’Carroll, chief executive officer of retail automation system provider Brightpearl says that retailers must be creative to survive a possible Brexit induced warehouse labour shortage

Experts at European law firm Field Fisher asks how can UK fintechs continue to thrive after Brexit?

fintech and Brexit

Simon Lafferty, associate, banking and finance; James Walsh, partner, technology and outsourcing; and, George McLellan, associate, regulatory group, all from European law firm Field Fisher look at what the future holds for the UK fintech industry post Brexit

Dan Ennor of Global Freight Solutions says Brexit could spur businesses to explore new markets

Dan Ennor GFS

Dan Ennor, commercial director of Global Freight Solutions (GFS), says that Brexit could incentivise businesses to expand globally

Immigration analyst Karendeep Kaur explains how to obtain a sponsor license

Karendeep Kaur

Karendeep Kaur, immigration analyst at immigration law specialist, Migrate UK, explains how to go about obtaining sponsor licenses for non-European economic area (EEA) citizens

Jake Trask of OFX assesses how Brexit could impact international payments

Jake Trask

Jake Trask, FX research director at international payments company OFX, says locking in exchange rates could be one way to protect your business against the uncertainties caused by Brexit

In 2016, Britain’s shock decision to exit the European Union triggered volatile exchange rates…

The falling pound brings positives and negatives for business

Custom Planet

John Armstrong, director and co-owner of printwear and branding specialist Custom Planet is working on exploiting the pros and minimising the cons of the falling pound

This article is the view of the author and not necessarily of Ready for Brexit

Although the UK voted to leave the European Union back in June 2016, more than two years later most business owners are still unsure of what Brexit will actually entail…

Reassess your supply chain management to see how Brexit will impact

Lionel Taylor (left) and John Bugej of the Trade Advisory Network

Lionel Taylor and John Bugeja, founders of specialist trade and supply chain finance consulting firm the Trade Advisory Network, say that SMEs have to assess every aspect of their supply chain to see how it will be impacted by Brexit and what steps need to be taken to exploit the opportunities and mitigate the pitfalls of exiting the EU

The political discussions around Brexit have become ever more consuming as the intrigue and divisions between the different factions intensify…

Brexit will have a significant impact on those in the insurance industry

Janthana Kaenprakhamroy, founder and CEO of Tapoly insurance company

The insurance industry will have to adapt its business plans and working practices as a result of Brexit, says Janthana Kaenprakhamroy, founder and CEO of Tapoly

Firms that trade should consider registering for AEO status now

AEO consultant David Miller

David Miller, customs and AEO Consultant at The Customs People says that businesses involved in importing and exporting should think about registering for Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status now to minimise any potential delays resulting from Brexit

Business mustn’t feel paralysed by Brexit uncertainty, it must start adapting now

Adjuno's Alan Gunner

Alan Gunner, business development director of supply chain platform Adjuno says businesses mustn’t be complacent about Brexit, they must act now to protect their future

The lack of clarity surrounding Brexit continues to engulf the headline news, as more and more UK businesses question what impact this move will have on their organisation. Everything is still opaque; there has been little progress made on resolving key items, leaving the majority of businesses feeling frustrated and apprehensive…

Analysis: Staff retention is key to surviving in the hospitality industry post Brexit

John Coldicutt, Planday

For businesses operating in the hospitality sector, now is the time to plan for the UK leaving the EU says John Coldicutt, chief commercial officer of the workforce collaboration software company, Planday

With so much uncertainty about the future relationship between the UK and the EU, it’s perhaps not surprising that there is also a great deal of uncertainty about what Brexit will mean for the country, some businesses are worried about the ramifications on the wider workforce, skills and supply chains, especially in the hospitality sector

Analysis: It’s time to future-proof recruitment policies in readiness for Brexit

Gary McIndoe, managing director, Latitude Law

For businesses employing non-UK citizens, now is the time to start future-proofing recruitment and retention policies and plans in readiness for the UK leaving the EU says Gary McIndoe, immigration solicitor and managing director of specialist business immigration law firm, Latitude Law.

This article is the view of the authors and not necessarily of Ready for Brexit

Analysis: SMEs consuming and providing financial services need to be proactive on Brexit

Guy Usher

The progress of Brexit negotiations has offered little clarity or comfort for the financial services industry say Guy Usher, partner, derivatives and structured finance and Simon Lafferty, associate, banking and finance, of European law firm Fieldfisher

This article is the view of the authors and not necessarily of Ready for Brexit
Given the way in which negotiations have progressed so far…