EHA

Brexit Advice

This page contains resources, videos and information covering the topic of Brexit. Working in partnership with the Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association (PASMA) and the Access Industry Forum (AIF) we delivered a series of live webinars covering the topic of Brexit Readiness, all these sessions were recorded and are listed below.

If you have any questions and wish to speak to us about Brexit please contact our Policy and Public Affairs Manager Mark Bradshaw on 0121 380 4621.

Brexit Advice for HAE EHA Members; Thursday 25th March 2021
BUSINESSES TRADING WITH EUROPE OFFERED TAX AND CUSTOMS SUPPORT
Additional customs and tax support is available from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for VAT-registered businesses that trade with the European Union.

All UK-based VAT-registered businesses will receive a letter from HMRC. In addition, over 170,000 customers of those companies receive weekly email updates.

HMRC recognises the challenges businesses face adapting to the sheer number of changes to these rules, complicated even further by the conditions imposed due to coronavirus. The SME Brexit Support Fund was created to support businesses and can pay up to £2,000 to go towards professional advice or training on customs rules and VAT where needed.

There will be a six-month delay before these border controls are implemented to allow time to prepare and adapt to changes. In addition, HMRC has added personnel and extended the operating hours of its Customs and International Trade helpline to cope with a higher volume of enquiries, and will continue to run a series of live support webinars.

To read the full article on GOV.UK, including links to the various guidance click here.
NEW BREXIT SUPPORT FUND FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
The UK government has set up a new £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund, which offers support to help small businesses adjust to new customs procedures, rules of origin, and VAT rules when trading with the EU. Applications can be made when the portal is open.

The SME Brexit Support Fund could award eligible businesses up to £2,000 if you have up to 500 employees, and no more than £100 million annual turnover.

SMEs who trade only with the EU, and are therefore new to importing and exporting processes, can apply for grants of up to £2,000, to pay for practical support including training and professional advice to ensure they can continue trading effectively with the EU. More information on the SME Brexit Support Fund can be found here.

Full guidance on how you can use the grant, who can apply and how to apply is available here.
LINKS TO FURTHER ADVICE AND INFORMATION ON THE UK TRANSITION
The following links are available with general and more specific information about the UK’s trading arrangements following departure from the EU and how they affect business. If you have any further questions or have ideas for additional information, HAE EHA can feed this back to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) liaison team.
There are changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Government have set up two services to help business:
  1. Trader Support Service (TSS): This free UK Government-backed service will guide you through any changes you need to make, and can complete customs declarations on your behalf. The TSS also offers a comprehensive range of education materials including online training, webinars and “how to” guides.
  2. Movement Assistance Scheme (MAS): Free support, including a dedicated helpline, is available for traders and businesses moving animals, plants and associated products from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. MAS also means that traders will not need to pay health certification costs, which will be met by the UK Government.
The most up-to-date guidance on the Northern Ireland Protocol, including information on moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland can be found here.

Further information for:
  • Businesses in England call 0800 998 1098
  • Businesses in Scotland call 0300 303 0660
  • Businesses in Wales  call 0300 060 3000
  • Businesses in Northern Ireland, call 0800 181 4422
For more information, including opening hours, click here.

Published: 25-03-2021