Businesses urged to check Brexit advice

Scottish businesses are being urged to ensure they are aware of the latest Brexit advice ahead of the EU transition period ending at 11pm on Thursday.

The Prepare for Brexit website is being updated throughout the holiday period with the latest information on what steps businesses should take as Britain leaves the EU single market and customs union.

It contains helpful checklists, links to webinars and detailed technical guidance.

Traffic to the multi-partner site continues to increase, with more than 40,000 page views since the end of September. The most viewed pages on Prepare for Brexit have been information on tariffs and the Brexit checklist.

In addition, over the past month Scotland’s enterprise agencies have contacted more than 800 companies identified as being particularly vulnerable to Brexit to offer targeted advice and guidance.

Economy secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Scotland did not vote for Brexit and it is unacceptable that businesses have been left to prepare against a backdrop of confusion and uncertainty, while also having to deal with the effects of the pandemic.

“It is deeply regrettable that our calls for the transition period to be extended were rejected by the UK Government.

“We will do all we can to support businesses as they come to terms with the far reaching effects of Brexit and plan for a future outside the customs union and single market. A raft of constantly updated advice is available and I urge every business to visit the Prepare for Brexit website, whether they think they will be impacted or not.

“We cannot mitigate every consequence of leaving the EU. However, the Scottish Government is determined that Scotland should remain open to the world and I have every confidence that our innovative businesses will adapt and find new ways to thrive in international markets.”

Linda Hanna, interim CEO of Scottish Enterprise, said: “We know 2020 has been incredibly tough for businesses across Scotland due to the impact of COVID-19. While many of our companies have understandably focused on getting through the pandemic, further change is on the horizon due to Brexit.

“That’s why Scottish Enterprise and our partner agencies are here to help and offer what support we can to firms during this uncertain time.

“If they haven’t done so already, we would urge all companies to visit our Prepare for Brexit website, which will be maintained by our dedicated staff over the festivities.

“Guidance can be found here on useful steps and actions businesses of all sizes across Scotland — whether they are exporters or not — can take now. Together, we will ensure Scotland remains a world class business location and a successful trading nation.”