Finally a Brexit blueprint but much more work to do

Press Releases 12 Jul 2018

Responding to the publication of the Government’s Brexit White Paper, Federation of Small Businesses National Chairman, Mike Cherry, said: “After more than two years since the EU referendum, we finally have a Brexit destination that Government hopes to negotiate. We hope that the EU welcomes this negotiating position and does not dismiss it out of hand.

“With just 37 weeks before we leave the European Union, we need to see tangible and comprehensive details on these proposals and how they will impact small businesses. As we draw closer to the exit date, it is welcome to see that the Government has stepped up preparations for a ‘no-deal’ scenario.

“The Government must look to ramp up the conversation with small businesses to find out how these proposals will actually affect the day to day running of their business. If there are to be any negative impacts, Government must come up with solutions to soften these and ensure that small businesses are not damaged.”

Newly published research from FSB shows that 59% of small businesses that export goods to the EU Customs Union, feel that trade would be impacted if overall costs increased as a result of having to complete additional customs declarations. 11% of smaller firms say that they would stop exporting to the EU altogether. FSB calls on Government to have realistic proposals on the table to remove the need for customs declarations and rules of origin for trade with the European Union.

Two thirds of current small business importers, who know the next destination of their imported good, say that they would find it difficult to operate dual systems and tracking arrangements depending on whether an imported good was exported to the EU or remained in the UK.

Commenting on the findings, Mike Cherry said: “These findings highlight the very real concerns that small businesses have about the impact of any new customs arrangements. It is clear that any additional customs costs, or complex tracking requirements, could act as a brake on smaller firms trading with the EU.

“It is critical that Government considers the impact these potential changes will have on small firms and develops a system that lessen any additional costs they may face post-Brexit.”

Further FSB research shows that almost one fifth (19 per cent) of smaller businesses exporting to the Rest of the World are currently using a free trade agreement to support their trade of goods and services. Over a third (36%) of smaller business current exporters stated that free trade agreements would be the most useful intervention to help them to increase the value of their exporting activity.

Mike Cherry said: “Whatever customs arrangement the Government manages to negotiate, small businesses will need significant support to ensure that they are making the most of preferential trading terms. The Government can guarantee this by enshrining within all Free Trade and Preferential Trade Agreements, a dedicated and bespoke Small Business Chapter. This model would help small firms are supported in realising their exporting and wider trade ambitions.”

Previous FSB research shows that half of small firms think Brexit provides scope for reforming regulations that impact their business.

Commenting on the commitment to keep high standards on consumer, environmental and employment legislation, Mike Cherry said: “Small businesses will welcome the guarantee that the Government will look to retain the current level of standards in the UK. Our research shows that small businesses understand the benefits of some good quality regulation particularly when it helps build customer trust and provides a level playing field.

“However, there remains concerns around the quantity and quality of regulation overall. Immediately after Brexit, small businesses will need stability with the same rules applying on the day after we have left, as the day before. After this period of time, the UK has a golden opportunity to forge its own path in creating a more small business friendly regulatory environment that can drive growth and productivity.”

Notes to editor

About FSB
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy.

Media contact

Alan Soady

Alan Soady

Head of Media & Communications

About FSB

As the UK’s largest business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.

FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.