The annual Startup Outlook Report has found that while many UK startups have deep concerns about Brexit, it isn’t set to dent their expansion plans. Anna Tobin reports

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) will recognise three London clearing houses in the event of a No-Deal Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The Irish state economic development agency Enterprise Ireland is offering grants of up to €5,000 to help its clients prepare for Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The European Commission today stepped up its no-deal planning for EU businesses with a particular focus on customs and indirect taxation. Anna Tobin reports

The University of Oxford is now preparing for a no-deal Brexit and is advising its staff and students how the UK exiting the EU without a deal could impact on them and the institution. Anna Tobin reports

The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)/DHL Quarterly International Trade Outlook has found that the percentage of manufacturing and services exporters expecting to raise their prices has risen over the last quarter. Anna Tobin reports

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has published a list of twenty questions that businesses need urgently answered to prepare for a no-deal Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

With just a few weeks to go until Brexit, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) fears that small businesses are running out of time to prepare for all the changes that it will entail. Anna Tobin reports

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is urging UK-based manufacturers and formulators to take action now to continue to comply with REACH in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The Road Haulage Association says that the allocation of ECMT permits falls woefully short of what is needed. Anna Tobin reports

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, exporters of live animals and animal products to the EU will need to obtain Export Health Certificates and the Government has just published a list of professionals certified to provide these. Anna Tobin reports

The Centre for Economic Performance has found that, as a result of Brexit, UK firms are investing billions in the EU. Anna Tobin reports

Tomorrow sees the launch of a new Europe-wide safe medicines system, but the UK could be forced to leave this within weeks in the event of a no-deal Brexit says the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. Anna Tobin reports

The Australian Securities & Investments Commission warns UK companies operating in Australia that Brexit could impact on their AFS licensing arrangements. Anna Tobin reports

As the Bank of England downgrades its growth forecasts for 2019, the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) demands that no-deal is taken off the table. Anna Tobin reports

Dr. Liam Fox MP, secretary of state for International Trade, told the International Trade Committee yesterday that trade deals will not necessarily roll over post-Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The Road Haulage Association says that the Government’s newly announced plans for simplified customs checks in the event of no-deal won’t do much to ease the Brexit pain for the haulage industry. Anna Tobin reports

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, HMRC has announced that customs checks will be simplified. Anna Tobin reports

Releasing it’s quarter three financial results today, Irish low-cost airline Ryanair revealed that it has put its No-Deal Brexit contingency plans into action. Anna Tobin reports

A survey of 1,200 company directors by the Institute of Directors (IoD) has found that 29% feel that they may have no choice but to shift operations abroad as a result of Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Gloucestershire-based global engineering and scientific technology company Renishaw announced in its 2019 interim report, published today, that as part of its Brexit contingency planning it’s establishing an Irish distribution centre. Anna Tobin reports

The German-based Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) now sees no prospect of an orderly Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) has responded with anger to the latest Brexit votes in the House of Commons. Anna Tobin reports

The Road Haulage Association’s chief executive, Richard Burnett and national chairman, Andrew Howard, this week wrote to MPs urging them to avoid a no-deal Brexit at all costs. Anna Tobin reports

The British Retail Consortium has written a letter to the Government cosigned by Britain’s largest food retailers warning of the dire consequences of a no-deal Brexit on the UK’s food supply. Anna Tobin reports

In the lead up to Brexit, the list of companies that are moving their headquarters outside of the UK or who are setting up additional companies in the EU is growing. Anna Tobin looks at who is going where

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has highlighted six principles that are required to deliver the best Brexit outcome for British farmers. Anna Tobin reports

 A UK Border Force document obtained by Sky News is reportedly claiming that cross-Channel freight could fall by anywhere from 75% to 87% in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Pet store and pet care multiple, Pets at Home Group PLC, reveals that it is seriously considering stockpiling as part of its no-deal Brexit contingency planning. Anna Tobin reports

The UK’s largest container port, the Port of Felixstowe and DFDS have announced that they will be increasing roll-on/roll-off (ro/ro) capacity at the Suffolk port by over 40%. Anna Tobin reports

Not only will your UK driving licence not be recognised for driving in the EU in the event of a no-deal Brexit, you will need to obtain three separate international driving licences to drive across the whole of the EU. Anna Tobin reports

Following last night’s vote, the VDA, the German Association of the Automotive Industry warns that a No-Deal Brexit will be devastating for the British car industry. Anna Tobin reports

Following the Government’s defeat on the Meaningful Vote, The British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) have all called for the Government to pull the stops out to avoid a No-Deal Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The £36 billion fund manager Hermes Investment Management has established an Irish domiciled management company, Hermes Fund Managers Ireland Limited (HFM Ireland) to mitigate against Brexit risks. Anna Tobin reports

The financial service sector has contracted for the first time since September 2013 finds the latest CBI/PwC Financial Services Survey. Anna Tobin reports

One of Japan’s largest banks Norinchukin has just revealed that Brexit has spurred it to open a Dutch subsidiary. Anna Tobin reports

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) announced today that Japan has just reached an agreement with the UK that opens up the Japanese market to British lamb and beef. Anna Tobin reports

The four UK farming unions have penned a joint letter to MPs explaining why they must take all steps necessary to avoid a no-deal Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Individuals, companies and organisations that use a .eu domain are being warned by the Government that it may not be usable if the UK exits the EU without a deal. Anna Tobin reports

Business campaign group London First is urging the Government to stop the clock on Brexit to avoid leaving the EU without a deal on March 29. Anna Tobin reports

In its quarter four Quarterley Economic Outlook, Irish business group Ibec warns that the risks facing Irish business are on the rise in 2019. Anna Tobin reports

University leaders have written an open letter to MPs today warning them that a No-Deal Brexit will seriously impact the UK’s standing as an international academic research centre. Anna Tobin reports

Brexit has helped foreign direct investment in the Republic of Ireland to soar says IDA Ireland, the Irish Government agency responsible for attracting foreign investment in the country. Anna Tobin reports

In its January 2019 trading statement, retailer Next PLC said that Brexit uncertainty is making it difficult to make business predictions. Anna Tobin reports

The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey finds manufacturing businesses reporting the joint-highest recruitment problems on record and service sector businesses reporting recruitment difficulties at near record highs. Anna Tobin reports

The latest IHS Markit/CIPS Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), published today, has found that December 2018 saw near record levels of stock being held by UK manufacturers preparing for Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

National Farmers Union (NFU) president  Minette Batters uses her New Year address to outline the challenges facing farmers this year. Anna Tobin reports

The national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Mike Cherry, used his New Year message to urge the Government to do more to listen to the concerns of small businesses about Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The UK’s imminent exit from the European Union has sparked an influx of applications for Irish passports. Anna Tobin reports

Government awards multi-million-pound contract to run a No-Deal Brexit Ramsgate to Ostend ferry route to Seaborne Freight, which currently owns no ships. Anna Tobin reports

The confidence of business leaders in the British economy has sunk to its lowest level in over 18 months, find the Institute of Directors’ Confidence Tracker. Anna Tobin reports

Credit insurer Atradius’ December Market Monitor focuses on food performance and outlook in the UK and warns that a no-deal Brexit would pose a material threat to the food industry. Anna Tobin reports

A No Deal Brexit will kill off the British car industry and destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs, the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) has said in a hard-hitting statement. Anna Tobin reports

With the Cabinet escalating its No Deal planning now, the detailed notices on how to prepare for a No Deal Brexit are pouring out of Whitehall. Anna Tobin highlights the ones most relevant to business

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) says that the proposals in the Government’s Immigration Paper published yesterday demonstrate that the Government is not listening to the needs of business. Anna Tobin reports

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC); the Confederation of British Industry (CBI); the EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation; the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the Institute of Directors have issued a joint statement calling on politicians to do their utmost to avoid a no deal Brexit

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) expects business investment to grow by just 0.1% in 2019, dropping down from 1.2% growth in its previous forecast. Anna Tobin reports

Welsh meat sector body Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) warns that the current political deadlock over Brexit is putting the income of Welsh farmers at risk. Anna Tobin reports

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) says Brexit is the key reason that its members are reporting negative feelings for 2019. Anna Tobins investigates

British aerospace company Rolls-Royce used its 2018 trading update to announce that it is stockpiling and moving some regulatory aspects of the business to Germany in preparation for a no-deal Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

European lobby group BusinessEurope has warned that European business is extremely concerned about the continuing uncertainty over Britain’s exit from the EU. Anna Tobin reports

Speaking at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Global Media Day today, IATA director general and CEO Alexandre de Juniac warned of the risks of a no-deal Brexit to the aviation industry. Anna Tobin reports

A no-deal Brexit could cost almost three-quarters of a million jobs, with some areas of the UK hit harder than others, finds a study by the UK Trade Policy Observatory at the University of Sussex. Anna Tobin reports

The CBIs latest economic forecast predicts that ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement and the resulting transition period will lead to steady economic growth in the UK, with a rise in business investment and continuing export growth over the next two years. Anna Tobin reports

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) quarterly Small Business Index finds one in three small exporters expect international sales to fall next quarter. Anna Tobin reports

High-performance polymer manufacturer Victrex PLC’s Brexit contingency planning is focused on protecting its supply chain. Anna Tobin reports

The British Printing Industries Federation (BPIF) Printing Outlook Printing Industry Trends Survey for quarter four 2018  finds that inflation and tariffs and non-tariff barriers are the biggest Brexit-related worries for the UK printing industry. Anna Tobin reports

Clothing retailer Joules reveals well-developed plans for Brexit in its pre-close trading update released today. Anna Tobin reports

If you are an EU-only trader, you will receive a letter imminently from HMRC asking you to take three actions to ensure that you are prepared for a possible no-deal Brexit. Anna Tobin explains what you must do now

The Department of Health & Social Care is inviting views on changes to nutrition regulations in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The IHS Markit/CIPS Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), published today, shows that the UK manufacturing sector remains muted, as new export orders fall for the second month in a row, with Brexit largely to blame. Anna Tobin reports

The Bank of England published two important research documents yesterday: The Financial Stability Report and Stress Test results – November 2018 and its response to the House of Commons Treasury Committee’s request for analysis of how Brexit will affect the Bank’s ability to deliver its objectives. Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, outlines its key findings

Global data and analytics company Dun & Bradstreet’s latest report UK SMEs: Brexit and Beyond finds that 19% of UK SMEs’ confidence in their future financial success is down year-on-year, and almost a third have considered leaving the UK to increase their chances of success. Anna Tobin reports

The Public Accounts Committee has ruled that the Department of Transport is woefully underprepared for the prospect of a no-deal Brexit and in this eventuality, there is a real risk of major disruption at UK ports. Anna Tobin investigates

In preparation for the UK’s exit from the EU, the Government has signed new customs arrangements with each of the Crown Dependencies. Anna Tobin reports

Releasing it’s annual financial report today, tile retailer Topps Tiles forecasts Brexit causing a reduction in consumer confidence, staffing issues, and supply problems. Its Brexit planning is focusing on stockpiling. Anna Tobin reports

KPMG’s annual Risk and ICAAP benchmarking survey, Counting the Cost has found that 40% of the investment firms it surveyed have, or have plans to, relocate as a result of Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The Bar  Council has issued a No-Deal Preparation paper to all 16,000 barristers in England and Wales. Anna Tobin reports

The Institute of Directors (IoD) surveyed 816 of its members following the publication of the draft Brexit Withdrawal Agreement and found that three-quarters back the deal. Anna Tobin reports

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged the Government to ensure that small businesses won’t struggle to employ EU nationals that they currently depend upon, post-Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Low-cost airline easyJet reveals that it is continuing to work towards being owned by a majority of European Economic Area registered businesses, excluding the UK. This will allow it to continue to operate as a European airline after Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has welcomed the Withdrawal Agreement, particularly the continuation of free and frictionless trade and the proposed transition period. Anna Tobin reports

The Institute of Directors (IOD) has welcomed the Withdrawal Agreement and is calling on Parliament to ratify it as the prospect of no deal and no transition period will be hugely damaging for business. Anna Tobin reports

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said that the draft Withdrawal Agreement takes Britain away from the cliff edge. Anna Tobin reports

The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement isn’t a done deal until it’s been ratified by the UK and European Parliaments, but Anna Tobin examines what it would mean for British business if it gets the green light

Global professional services firm KPMG says that businesses are cautiously welcoming the Government’s Brexit proposals, but they are not fully confident that it will get through Parliament. Anna Tobin reports

Premier Foods, the British food manufacturer behind household brands Paxo, Oxo and Mr. Kipling, reveals in its half-year results, published today, that as part of its Brexit contingency planning it will soon begin stockpiling ingredients. Anna Tobin reports

International Airlines Group (IAG), the owner of British Airways, is reportedly seeking help from the Spanish Government to enable it to operate smoothly through Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The latest Labour Market Outlook Report published today by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and The Adecco Group finds that a reduction in migrant workers and Brexit is putting a strain on UK labour supply. Anna Tobin reports

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, UK hauliers will be scrabbling for a limited number of the ECMT licences needed to operate within the EU after March 29, 2019. Anna Tobin reports

The Chemical Business Association (CBA) has called the Government’s plans to transpose EU Reach legislation into UK law in the event of a no-deal Brexit unworkable. Anna Tobin reports

On the eve of its annual conference, where tackling the impact of Brexit on the Welsh livestock industry dominates the agenda, Anna Tobin spoke to Kevin Roberts, the chairman of Welsh meat sector body Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), about why the Welsh meat industry desperately needs to avoid a hard Brexit

Speaking today at the World Travel Market London, Kurt Jansen director of the tourism lobby group Tourism Alliance highlighted what the Government could do to help the UK tourism industry benefit from Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Brexit and the Health and Social Care Workforce in the UK, a report published today for the Cavendish Coalition, looks at recent trends in the UK’s health and socialcare workforce and the critical role of European economic area (EEA) nationals within it. Anna Tobin examines its findings

If the UK crashes out of Europe without a deal or a transition period many small businesses will lack the resources needed to check if their EU workers are still eligible to work in the UK, warns the Federation of Small Businesses. Anna Tobin reports

Unveiling Hiscox’s quarter three results today, CEO Bronek Masojada emphasised that the international specialist insurer is planning for a hard Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Research published today at World Travel Market London forecasts that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, Brits will be much less likely to holiday abroad. Anna Tobin reports

Credit rating provider S&P Global Ratings sees no deal as a distinct possibility and says it would lead the UK into recession. Anna Tobin reports

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will become the state-aid authority for the UK post-Brexit. Anna Tobin examines what this means

UK businesses could be in for five years of turmoil in the event of a no-deal Brexit warns supply chain and logistics consultancy Scala. Anna Tobin reports

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond MP, delivers his final Budget before Brexit. Anna Tobin looks at its impact on business

The British Coatings Federation, the trade association for the UK paints, printing inks, powder coatings, and wallcoverings industries has published a no deal guide for its members. Anna Tobin reports

An attempt by the Government to fast-track a deal with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to create smooth trade following Brexit, has not been particularly well received. Anna Tobin reports

The National Audit Office has published a report entitled: The UK border: preparedness for EU exit and it brings cause for concern. Anna Tobin reports

Trade unions and car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover have agreed to continue the suspension of the pay and conditions negotiations. Anna Tobin reports

Reaching a deal with the EU is crucial for the future of the Welsh food industry warns Kevin Roberts, chairman of Welsh meat sector body Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC). Anna Tobin reports

A new survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has found that eight out of ten firms say that Brexit has had a negative impact on investment. Many are also ready to trigger drastic contingency plans. Anna Tobin reports

The planned IPO of UK mobile operator O2 has reportedly been put on hold as a result of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Speaking in his role as chairman of Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, Inc., Toyota’s president Akio Toyoda urged the UK Government to redouble its efforts to reach a withdrawal agreement with the EU. Anna Tobin reports

Low-skilled men with only GCSE qualifications or less are more likely than any other group to work in industries at particular risk from possible new barriers to trade with the EU finds the Institute for Fiscal Studies. Anna Tobin investigates

The EEF, the Manufacturers Organisation, and health and safety experts Arco have co-published a report calling for current health and safety regulations to be maintained once the UK exits the EU. Anna Tobin looks at the reasoning behind this

Which? has released a wide-ranging report into the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit with a disheartening conclusion. Anna Tobin reports

Think tank the Institute for Government (IfG) has assessed the Government’s technical notices that set out how Government bodies, businesses, and individuals need to prepare for a possible no deal Brexit and finds that some of the biggest questions remain unanswered. Anna Tobin reports

A further raft of detailed guidance notes on how to prepare for a no deal Brexit has been issued by Whitehall. Anna Tobin examines their contents

Homes for sale are at close to record lows, finds the latest RICS UK Residential Market Survey and Brexit is seen as a major contributing factor. Anna Tobin reports

John Glen MP, the economic secretary to the Treasury and Minister for the City of London told the EU Financial Affairs Sub-Committee today that he agrees with the Bank of England’s estimate that the City will lose 5000 jobs by Brexit day. Anna Tobin reports

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has launched its Brexit Readiness Programme in a bid to safeguard the UK’s automotive supply chain in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Charlie Mullins OBE is the founder of Pimlico Plumbers and the man behind the controversial campaign ‘Bollocks to Brexit.’ He spoke to Anna Tobin to explain why he set up the campaign and how concerned he is at the damage Brexit will potentially do to UK SMEs

The BRC – KPMG retail sales monitor for September 2018 reveals that UK retail sales fell by 0.2% year-on-year. A number of factors contributed to this drop and Brexit uncertainty is one of them. Anna Tobin reports

The £2.15 million Red Meat Benchmarking scheme launched today to help Welsh cattle and sheep farmers make their businesses more efficient and economic and to prepare them for Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has announced that even in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the legal requirements designed to promote common safety and technical principles across all EU railways must still be met by UK rail companies and suppliers. Anna Tobin reports

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is inviting comment on how its legislation and regulatory processes should be adapted in the eventuality of a no-deal Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Upholstery retailer DFS Furniture PLC used the announcement of its preliminary results to outline how it is preparing for Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Business consultant Richard Barfield who runs BrexitFactBase has produced an in-depth report that explains how different Brexit scenarios could impact the UK’s global status as a trading nation. Anna Tobin reports

All UK-based parties that receive funding from Horizon 2020, the EU’s programme for science and innovation, are urged to register their related projects on a portal managed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Anna Tobin reports

The Fairtrade Foundation, which campaigns to get a better deal for producers and workers in developing countries, warns that an increase in trade tariffs could seriously damage the Fairtrade banana market and many other Fairtrade industries. Anna Tobin reports

A Canada-style Brexit trade agreement has been talked up recently as a possible alternative to a no-deal Brexit, but Stephen Phipson, chief executive officer of EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, warns that it’s not the answer. Anna Tobin reports

As the prospect of a no-deal Brexit becomes ever-more likely, attention has turned to whether a Canada-style Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could be negotiated once the UK has left the EU. Anna Tobin investigates how easily and effectively such a deal could be achieved.

The EU deal with Canada…

Only 14% of small businesses have begun planning for Brexit, finds new research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Anna Tobin reports

The FSB report found that only one in seven small business have begun planning for Brexit…

Keen to expand its export footprint in the wake of Brexit, Suffolk-based St Peter’s Brewery has signed a deal with a Chinese importer. Anna Tobin reports

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned the Government that the current state of the Brexit negotiations is extremely worrying for small businesses and that its latest no-deal Brexit preparation documents have not allayed those fears. Anna Tobin reports

Responding to this week’s release of another tranche of…

When releasing its half-year results, British homeware and clothing retailer Next PLC issued a stark warning about the problems that a no deal Brexit will cause the business. Anna Tobin reports

Next PLC dedicated a large chunk of its half-year report to July 2018 to explaining its Brexit preparations…

While the UK Government is still working towards a deal, it has released another batch of planning advice documents for a no deal Brexit. These cover topics as diverse as intellectual property to the manufacturing and marketing of fertilisers. Anna Tobin reports

The Government’s updated list of guidance notes…

The latest CBI Industrial Trends Survey of 409 firms, shows that UK manufacturing output growth slowed in the three months to September, but stayed above the long-term average. Anna Tobin reports

In ten of the 17 sub-sectors, output grew. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) report found that growth was driven largely by…

UK export growth has fallen for a sixth consecutive quarter and is nearing the point of contraction according to the latest European Export Index published by accountants and business advisers BDO LLP. Anna Tobin reports

UK export growth has dropped significantly and was the worst performing of the largest five EU economies in the last quarter…

Following the EU leaders’ meeting in Salzburg, Austria, global professional services firm KPMG has warned that the chances of a no deal Brexit are now higher than ever and urged businesses to prepare accordingly. Anna Tobin reports

Following today’s summit of EU leaders in Austria…

German car manufacturer BMW revealed this week that it was moving a planned month shut down of its Oxfordshire plant to April 2019 to coincide with when the UK exits the EU, many SMEs are also now taking decisive action to protect themselves from the predicted turbulent effects of Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has responded to the Government’s Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) report on EEA migration in the UK and it’s not happy with its findings where SMEs are concerned. Anna Tobin reports

Among the recommendations of the MAC report was for Tier 2 migration opportunities to be…

The Government’s Migration Advisory Committee has published its final report on EEA migration in the UK. Anna Tobin looks at its findings

In July 2017, the Home Office commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee…

Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that a no deal Brexit leading the UK to return to World Trade Organization rules will be extremely costly for the UK. Anna Tobin reports

The newly published IMF’s annual review of the British economy concludes that any Brexit scenario will be costly for the UK…

Think tank the Institute for Government has published a report entitled Brexit: six months to go, which looks at the progress the Government has made in delivering Brexit and what still needs to be done. Anna Tobin reports

The British Chambers of Commerce economic forecast has been downgraded as a result of Brexit uncertainty hitting investment and trade. Anna Tobin reports

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) today (September 17 2018) downgraded its growth expectations for the UK economy. It forecasts that GDP growth for 2018 will be 1.1%, down from 1.3%…

The UK Government has published its second major tranche of documents advising individuals and organisations on how to plan for no deal. Anna Tobin reports

While the Government is still working towards a deal with the EU, it recognises that there is a possibility that the UK…

European credit rating agency Scope Ratings says even if a no deal Brexit is avoided, Brexit has already cost the UK economy over 1% of its GDP since the referendum. Anna Tobin reports

Scope expects the UK to avoid a no-deal scenario, but…

Unsure of what tariffs you could be paying on your goods if the UK exits the EU without a deal? The Government’s little-known trade tariff search could prove useful reports Anna Tobin

If the UK exits the EU without a deal, World Trade Organization (WTO) rules will apply to all UK trade…

The City of London lost out to New York in the September 2018 Global Financial Centres Index, which evaluates future competitiveness and rankings for 100 major financial centres around the globe. Anna Tobin reports

The September 2018 Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI24), produced by…

A report by the National Audit Office has found that The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has made good progress with its preparations for Brexit, but it still faces huge challenges, particularly when it comes to averting food and livestock delays…

The majority of UK businesses feel that they lack the necessary information to start making decisions about their post-Brexit recruitment strategy, according to new research by the CIPD and The Adecco Group. Anna Tobin reports

The Adecco Group’s quarterly Brexit tracker is compiled using data from the…

The Port of Antwerp assures British companies who bring goods through the port that it has everything prepared for Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

With an annual freight volume of around 15 million tonnes, the UK is the Port of Antwerp’s third-largest maritime trading partner…

Brexit could lead to a shortage of software developers in the UK, reveals research by software company Pivotal. Anna Tobin reports

UK businesses need to prepare themselves for a software skills shortfall post Brexit, finds a survey commissioned by Pivotal Software, Inc…

Many companies are setting up additional companies in the EU or moving their headquarters to an EU country in a bid to minimise the negative fall-out they expect Brexit to have on their businesses. Anna Tobin looks at who is going where

The number of companies leaving the UK because of Brexit is growing…

Universities UK, the body that speaks for the UK university sector, has called on the Government to create a new visa that would allow international students to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after graduation. Anna Tobin reports

The post-study work visa, which enables non-EU international students…

The cons resulting from exiting the EU without a deal far outweigh the pros says think tank The UK in a Changing Europe in its report The Cost of No Deal Revisited, published September 3, 2018. Anna Tobin examines its findings…

Now that the Government has published its first batch of Technical Notices on the implications of a No Deal outcome to Brexit, British companies that trade internationally are in a position to get better prepared for this scenario. Anna Tobin examines what this entails

Importing and exporting post Brexit will become a much lengthier process. The UK will become what is known as a ‘third country’ when…

Responding to the findings of the latest quarterly CBI Services Sector Survey, Rain Newton-Smith, the CBI’s chief economist, calls on the Government and the EU to finalise the Withdrawal Agreement and support people’s jobs. Anna Tobin reports

The Government has started to issue the first of a number of documents advising the British people how to prepare for Brexit in the event of a failure to agree on a deal. Anna Tobin reports…

Unless the Government breaks its current political deadlock over Brexit, 2019 will be a horrific year for the British insurance industry, warns international law firm Kennedys. Anna Tobin reports

In its latest insurance industry report entitled Brexit and the Insurance Sector: Towards 2020 and Beyond, Kennedys states…

As the UK enters the end game of Brexit, think tank The Institute For Government published its report looking at how it could now play out. Anna Tobin reports

The publication entitled Autumn surprises: possible scenarios for the next phase of Brexit…

British manufacturers are making preparations for a No Deal Brexit and are looking at their options outside of the EU, finds a new study by Sheffield Hallam University and SSG Insight. Anna Tobin reports

Harnessing Brexit, Technology and Insight: British Manufacturers, a Competitive Edge in an Age of Uncertainty and Opportunity is the title of a new report…

A stark reduction in EU nationals entering the UK coincides with a significant drop in suitable job applicants finds a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and The Adecco Group. Anna Tobin reports

The latest quarterly Labour Market Outlook from the CIPD and The Adecco Group, based on a survey of 2,001 employers, has found that pay rises will be stable at 2% for most workers…

The British summer fruits industry is concerned that the Government is not doing enough to safeguard the supply of seasonal agricultural workers from the EU post-Brexit. Anna Tobin reports…

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned that Britain would run out of food within a year if it was forced to be self-sufficient. Anna Tobin reports

The president of the NFU Minette Batters has warned the Government that a year today, 7 August 2019, is the day that Britain would run out of food if…

The Government has just published guidance notes on what the Brexit implementation period means for those in the life sciences industries. Anna Tobin reports

The guidance notes published August 6, 2018, show that as those in the sector are already aware, the impact of Brexit on life sciences is going to be significant, but the implementation period brings some breathing space…

Ofcom-licensed broadcasters whose channels are exported to the EU, may need to obtain individual country licenses to continue broadcasting in Europe post Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Those Ofcom-licensed broadcasters who broadcast within the EU Television companies may have to reassess which countries they transmit to after Brexit…

Brexit has been named as the prime reason that 93% of UK businesses claim to be expecting a fall in revenues in 2019, according to a survey by MHR Analytics. Anna Tobin reports

Specialist provider of business intelligence and analytics solutions MHR Analytics used independent polling company Censuswide…

A survey by international payments provider Currencies Direct has found that the majority of UK SMEs are looking at international expansion as a way of growing their business as a result of Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

Currencies Direct’s research showed that 84% of UK SMEs are looking at international expansion and 57% thought that international trade generally offered more opportunities than challenges…

Research by immigration law firm Migrate UK states that companies are paying up to £100,000 in incentives in a bid to keep EU workers on their payroll. Anna Tobin reports

Migrate UK surveyed one thousand HR Directors from organisations who employ over 250 EU workers in the UK. The survey completed between June 21 and 22 2018 found that of those polled, 66% struggled to recruit staff with the sufficient skills since the Brexit referendum. This rose to 86% for banking, 83% for finance and 79% for IT sectors…

Today, July 25, 2018, the UK Government published an employer toolkit that is designed to equip employers with the necessary tools and information required to support their employees who are EU citizens and their families through the EU Settlement Scheme. Anna Tobin reports

The online toolkit available here includes six documents…

Leading food policy experts are warning the UK government, the food industry and the public that the political uncertainties surrounding Brexit could threaten the safety and integrity of food being sold and consumed in the UK and exported abroad. Anna Tobin reports…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns in its July 2018 Country Report that the UK’s departure from the EU will negatively impact both sides. Anna Tobin reports

The latest Country Report from the IMF looks at how integrated the UK is now with the EU and then given this relationship it assesses how different Brexit scenarios will impact on the UK and EU members…

In a bid to help businesses in the EU make the necessary changes and get ready for Brexit, the European Commission has published a factsheet detailing how businesses in the EU27 can prepare for Britain exiting the Union. Anna Tobin reports

Seven Things Businesses in the EU27 Need to Know in Order to Prepare for Brexit is the title of the European Commission’s factsheet and it recommends the following…

UK pharmaceutical bodies have welcomed the news that Parliament has voted in favour of amendment NC17 to the Brexit Trade Bill, which will make it a negotiating objective for the UK Government to seek the UK’s participation in the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) European medicines regulatory network. Anna Tobin reports

Arla, Britain’s largest dairy business, warns that Brexit could result in less choice, higher prices and lower food standards as a result of border changes. Anna Tobin reports

Arla Foods UK, the country’s largest dairy company, has warned that if Brexit were to result in non-tariff barriers to trade and restricted access to labour, it would have a huge impact on the country’s dairy industry…

The Royal Town Planning Institute has published a briefing paper produced in conjunction with the sustainability think tank the Institute for European Environmental Policy, looking at how different Brexit scenarios could affect land use in the UK. It indicates that environmental regulations could become heavily diluted. Anna Tobin reports

A survey by the Institute of Export and International Trade has found that 39.75% of UK exporters would like the UK to stay in the Single Market following Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

A Brexit survey of the Institute of Export and International Trade has found that two years on from the referendum 39.75% of UK exporters said that continued membership of the Single Market was of the highest possible importance, scoring it ten out of ten. This has increased year-on-year from 33.6% in 2017…

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has created a tool to help farmers assess the impact that Brexit could have on their business. Anna Tobin reports

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has designed the Brexit Impact Calculator to forecast how different Brexit scenarios could impact on farming businesses.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has issued a warm response to the UK Government’s Brexit White Paper and pushes the government to move quickly now. Anna Tobin reports

In a statement published in response to the UK government’s White Paper on the future of the relationship between the UK and the EU, Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI, said…

One of the UK’s largest providers of professional services KPMG UK has issued a statement responding to the UK government’s White Paper on the future of the relationship between the UK and the EU. Anna Tobin reports

In response to the UK government’s Brexit White Paper, James Stewart, KPMG UK’s head of Brexit said: ‘Most businesses will welcome today’s White Paper…

Things are looking up for SMEs in financial services and manufacturing, but SMEs that export to the EU have a tough road ahead finds the Quarter 2, 2018 SME Growth Tracker. Anna Tobin reports

A survey by international payments company OFX embargoed until today, July 10, 2018, but carried out prior to the recent cabinet reshuffle, finds that SMEs are now more positive about Brexit than they were when surveyed a year ago. Anna Tobin reports

The key findings of the OFX annual survey of 500 UK small business owners and senior managers at businesses with between 10 and 249 employees. found that SMEs are starting to feel more positive about international trade, particularly within Western Europe.

Professor Doctor Ralf Speth, the CEO of Jaguar Land Rover has urged the UK government to provide clarity on Brexit. Anna Tobin reports

The CEO of Britain’s largest car manufacturer issued a statement July 4, 2018 calling on the UK government to rapidly provide certainty for business and to guarantee tariff-free access and frictionless trade with the European Union.

The British Chambers of Commerce has found that there are a number of Brexit questions that businesses want the government to answer. Anna Tobin takes a look at the concerns causing them to raise their hands

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has devised a traffic-light system for assessing the answers to key questions British businesses have on Brexit.

Professional services multinational PwC has released a report looking at how Brexit could impact on the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries and it highlights a number of key points, reports Anna Tobin

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have come together to urge the UK government and the EU to guarantee citizens’ rights after March 29, 2019. The two organisations represent millions of public and private sector workers and 190,000 businesses.

In a joint statement Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC and Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI, said: ‘After 15 months of human poker, the uncertainty facing four million European and UK citizens has become intolerable.

If the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019 without an agreed trade deal, businesses that export from the UK or import into the UK will have to operate under World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. Anna Tobin explains what this means

The European Banking Authority (EBA) warns financial institutions that they must make contingency plans for a No Deal Brexit, reports Anna Tobin

The European Banking Authority is an independent EU Authority charged with ensuring effective and consistent prudential regulation and supervision across the Europe’s banks and financial institutions. Today, June 25, 2018, it highlighted its concern that financial institutions are failing to make contingency plans to cover themselves should the UK leave the EU without a ratified withdrawal agreement…

Airbus has issued a warning that a No Deal Brexit could pose a serious risk to its business, reports Anna Tobin

In a statement, the European aerospace manufacturer said:  ‘The UK exiting the EU next year without a deal – therefore leaving both the single market and customs union immediately and without any agreed transition – would lead to severe disruption and interruption of UK production.

Global data and analytics company Dun & Bradstreet published a report June 22, 2018, looking at the impact of Brexit two years on. While some of it makes uncomfortable reading, it has also revealed some positives, reports Anna Tobin

‘Our report Brexit: Two Years On is a pulse check in terms of where business is in the UK,’ explains Ed Thorne, managing director, Dun & Bradstreet UK. ‘Ultimately what it has revealed is that it’s an incredibly uncertain environment. Although some companies have proactively embraced Brexit, there has also been a lot of stagnation, with businesses waiting to see what is going to happen.’

The report found that 53% of business leaders feel that the impact of Brexit has been positive and 42% feel that it has been negative…

Think tank The Institute for Government (IfG) released a report on June 10, 2018, looking at how ready Whitehall is for Brexit. We take a look at the key findings:

The politicians have pushed the Brexit button. They are the people that we see and hear daily in the media trying to steer the UK on a smooth course…

The Irish government has set up a Brexit hub.  “Up to date information on the Brexit negotiations brought to you by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.”

Enterprise Ireland also has a hub and self-assessment questionnaire.  “Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting its clients in preparing for the risks and opportunities that Brexit poses. Despite the uncertainty, Irish companies can and should be taking immediate action to mitigate the potential risks and position themselves to take advantage of the opportunities.”

The Netherlands has set up 3 websites to help companies and individuals understand the potential implications of Brexit.  It is in Dutch, but Google can translate to your language:

Brexitloket.nl is an initiative of the national government and its implementing organizations.  “On 29 March 2019 the United Kingdom will leave the European Union. Then Brexit is a fact. Do you do business with the United Kingdom? Or do you plan that? Then prepare yourself for doing business with a country outside the EU.The national government helps you with this.“

Brexit developments. “The United Kingdom wants to leave the European Union. This was officially notified to the European Union (EU) by the United Kingdom (UK) on 29 March 2017. In the two years that follow, the UK and the EU negotiate the conditions for Brexit. And about their future relationship. The UK consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

Brexit preparations.  “This scan is for all companies in the Netherlands. The Brexit can hit any company, even if you do not suspect it at first. Go through the entire scan to discover unsuspected effects for your company.”

The EEF have 2 campaigns running on Brexit issues:

• UK manufacturing and Brexit
• Post-Brexit environmental regulation

The Brexit site of the Federation of Small Businesses aims to “ensure our members get the best deal out of Brexit”.  4 reports produced in March – July 2017 are also available for download:

• Keep trade easy
• A skilful exit
• Reformed business funding
• Regulation returned

The Brexit section of this EPSRC-funded project aims to produce “critical and insightful analysis on key Brexit issues”

An important article in the Harvard Business Review which suggests:

“Only a minority of firms are well ahead in planning and preparing a UK market strategy. At the recent Brexit Workshop we held for clients — in this case, 19 UK heads of some of the world’s largest multinational firms — 10 of them had not started or had only just begun planning for Brexit.“

A new Report from the British Chambers of Commerce urges businesses to begin preparing now for Brexit, and suggests “Business needs to look hard at how they will operate under new conditions in the future”.

This major new Report from the CBI provides an A to Z of the rules that will matter after the transition period. From architects to zoos, it outlines the regulatory needs of 23 industry and service sectors.

Download CBI ‘An A-Z of the EU rules that matter for the economy’,
or visit the dedicated CBI webpage

All publications from the UK House of Commons Select Committee on Exiting the EU are available here
https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/exiting-the-european-union-committee/publications/

All publications from the UK House of Lords Select Committee on Exiting the EU are available here
https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/lords-select

The summer is over, and the UK government now has the job of deciding its objectives for the Brexit negotiations. These, like all major negotiations, will no doubt be long and difficult.  They will also inevitably create major uncertainty for companies, investors and individuals as they progress. I have personally led major negotiations in a [...]

  The UK economy set off into the Great Unknown in March 2017, when premier Theresa May officially notified the European Union of the UK’s intention to leave (Brexit) by the end of March 2019. In response, the EU released its draft guidelines for the negotiations: “The first phase of the negotiations should aim to agree on a divorce settlement on [...]