Too many businesses are poorly prepared for Britain’s departure from the EU in a little over five weeks’ time, officials are warning.
The huge financial and logistical cost of the pandemic has left many in danger of being badly caught out when a huge overhaul of regulations comes in on January 1.
Leicestershire and Rutland’s Local Resilience Forum is one of the bodies warning that time is running out for businesses to ensure they have done what they need to do before the big changes come in.
A Leicestershire County Council survey suggested just eight per cent of bosses in the area saw the impending EU exit as a major obstacle.
North West Leicestershire District Council chief executive Bev Smith chairs the countywide forum working group tasked with helping the region prepare for Brexit.
She said: “It is a concern for us that January 1 will come round very quickly and businesses won’t be ready for it.
“It’s completely understandable that attentions are elsewhere – it’s been a tough year for businesses and we’re in the middle of our second national lockdown.
“Unfortunately though this doesn’t change the fact that the transition period will end in a matter of weeks, and our businesses simply have to be ready.
“The last thing Leicestershire needs is further disruption and confusion in our business community in the New Year.
“This can be prevented by taking action now, but time is running out.
“This is a plea from us to use the Government’s tools and information to check your businesses is prepared, and if you need further help our local authorities stand ready to support you.”
Kevin Harris heads up RSM’s Leicester office and chairs the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.
He said: “We’re doing as much as we can to support our businesses to be ready for EU exit in time for January 1.
“Through our Business Gateway Growth Hub service we’ve been running one-to-one support sessions and webinars to give tailored and in-depth advice to those that need help – and these will continue to be run on a weekly basis.
“Local authorities are reaching out to businesses too, offering their support and advice.
“The bottom line is though that only businesses owners themselves can take the steps required to prepare – and the time to act is now.”
Forum leaders hope that by preparing now, the impact on local trade and therefore the local economy will be kept to a minimum in January.
Mrs Smith said: “We’re not expecting the end of the transition to cause major issues if we are collectively prepared for it.
“It’s a big ask for businesses to divert their focus away from Covid-19 to address EU exit – and we wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t essential.
“By working together we will be ready for January 1 – please take advantage of the local support available and see Leicestershire and Rutland safely negotiate the end of the transition period.”
