As the UK marks its official departure from the European Union – Friday 31 January 2020 and starts an 11- month transition period, Norfolk Chambers is calling on the county’s business communities to work together to ensure the business voice is clearly heard during the transition period and beyond.
Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“In business communities across Norfolk, this historic moment will bring a mixture of regret for some and celebration for others – but this is just the end of the beginning, not the beginning of the end.
“Decisions made during the next phase of negotiations will influence the business environment for decades to come. Businesses are likely to face significant changes in the way they trade, both in Europe and across the world. The government must clearly communicate what those changes will be – and provide timely guidance and support to help firms adapt and make the most of new opportunities as Britain sets its own trading polices. “Our business communities are pragmatic and want to move on from the emotional arguments around Brexit that have stymied confidence and investment for so long.
“Working in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce and the rest of the Chamber network across the UK, Norfolk Chambers want to work with ministers to get the details right on issues like customs, regulation and immigration – and they are desperate to avoid more of the cliff-edges that have affected their operations in recent years.
“On the domestic front, spades in the ground for new and improved infrastructure, better skills and training, and action to lower the up-front costs facing UK businesses are urgently needed to boost confidence and unlock investment.”
Help and support is available to businesses as they prepare for the changes that will come as a result of the UK leaving the EU. During the transition period it should be ‘business as usual’. However business owners and their senior teams should be considering what steps they need to take following 31 December 2020. A good starting point for businesses is the Chambers Business Checklist, which has been recently updated.
If you have any specific questions that you need answered, the following people would be happy to help:
Julie Austin – International Trade Manager
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01603 729 706
Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01603 729 713
