Small businesses relieved at transition breakthrough
Negotiations between the EU and UK have now been completed and a deal has been signed Read our press release. The Government have produced a 'summary explainer' to the international treaty with a high level overview of the changes View the summary
The UK left EU single market, customs union and VAT area on 31 December, and from 1 January 2021 the provisions of the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) now apply to trade between the UK and the EU. New rules now apply in areas including trade in goods and services, immigration, and travel.
Under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, Northern Ireland will continue to follow EU single market rules for goods and agriculture, and will continue to apply rules of the EU’s Union Customs Code, this will mean some changes to trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
We will continue to update our Transition Hub to provide information and guidance on the new trading arrangements to help small businesses adapt. We will also continue to signpost you to other practical information to keep you informed and up to date.
What action can I take now?
The UK has left the transition period. Check the new rules and take action now with our links below.
Get your action plan
Answer a few questions for your personalised action list for you and your business from the GOV.UK website
Stay up to
date
Find out what you need to do after 31 December 2020 if you travel to Europe for business purposes
Be data
secure
The rules around data transfers between the UK and EU will change in 2021. Find out what this means for your business.
Check the advice for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
Scotland
Find out what you need to consider if your business operates in Scotland.
Wales
The latest news and guidance from the Welsh Government
N. Ireland
Find out what steps you need to take if you are a Northern Ireland business
Get your Imports and Exports in order
If you are a UK based business who imports from, or exports to, the EU new procedures and additional paperwork is now required. Find out more using the options below.
Hear from
the experts
FSB member and MD of Global Freight Anton Gunter answers our questions on what may change for small businesses after 31 December 2020
Importing
Goods
If you import goods from the EU you will need to change your processes from 1 January 2021. Find step by step instructions and prepare your plan now.
Exporting
Goods
The process for exporting goods to the EU will change from 1 January 2021. Find out what actions you need to take in order to start or continue exporting goods to the EU
Further reading
Managing Currencies
How to safeguard your small business by mitigating FX and currency volatility with local currency accounts and risk management strategies.
Everything you need to know about the post-transition border plan
The UK government’s Border Operating Model (BOM) is the plan detailing the processes and systems, across all government departments, that will be used at the borders of Great Britain from 1 January 2021.
How small businesses are preparing for changes to importing and exporting
We speak to two FSB members about the changes they are making now ahead of January 2021
Living and working in the UK after the transition period
After 31 December 2020 EU citizens and their family members (including non-EU citizens) need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue to live, work and study in the UK. The way you hire from the EU is also changing to a points based immigration scheme. Find out what that means for you and your employees through the links below.
The Frontier Worker Permit Scheme
The Home Office has launched the new frontier worker permit scheme. This means frontier workers working in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 can now apply for a frontier worker permit.
Right to work checks: Hiring from outside the UK in 2021
If you’re employing from outside the UK, learn the steps you need to take to ensure your applicants have the right to work in the UK under new immigration rules.
How to apply for the frontier worker permit
From 1 July 2021, a new frontier worker permit is required by those who work in the UK but live abroad. Find out who might need a permit and how to apply with our guide.
How to access specialist immigration support
FSB members can access free resources and discounted legal support through their FSB membership.
Useful resources
Data Protection
in 2021
What happens to data security after 31 December 2020 and what can you do to prepare?
Take
Action
From green cards to the impact on general insurance, find out what action you can take now to prepare your business’ insurance.
Trade Finance
Guide
Download your free guide to learn about and how to access finance for trade, importing and exporting goods.
How can FSB membership help?
Get the money you’re owed
Take control of your debt with the tools and support you need to get paid. Download free guides, customise template letters and get advice 24/7 from debt recovery specialists.
HR
support
FSB members can access free resources and legal support at special discounted rates through market leading immigration specialists to provide all the support you need to retain your existing workforce and to recruit the right people with right skills to grow your business.
We’ve got you covered
From employer’s liability insurance to insuring your exports, our experts at FSB Insurance Service ensure you’ve got the right cover for your business as well as being on hand to answer your questions via their insurance advice line.
You may also be interested in
