With a year left on the Brexit clock, small businesses are urging the Government to inject much needed momentum into agreeing the future economic partnership with the EU.
According to FSB research, the EU single market is a priority trading bloc with 63% of small firms wanting to see a trade deal prioritised with the EU post Brexit. However at an individual country level the US is the country that the highest percentage of exporting small businesses would want to see a trade deal done with post Brexit (49%) –with 29% wanting to see a trade deal with Australia and 28% with China.
Mike Cherry, National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “The landmark agreement on the terms of a transition period should provide the much needed certainty for the UK’s small business community. Attention must now turn swiftly towards hammering out new trade arrangements and pressing ahead with designing our future immigration system, post the implementation period.
“The freedom to ratify new trade agreements during this time will ensure that small businesses benefit from existing trade agreements while enabling them to make progress on trade deals with new partners across the world. It is vital that the right balance is struck between ensuring as frictionless trade as possible with the EU while exploiting new, exciting trading opportunities with growth markets across the world.”
It is important that small businesses are given every chance to seize the opportunities presented by any new trade arrangements. To achieve this, FSB is calling on Government to include a dedicated small business chapter recognising the bespoke support small firms will need to realise their exporting and wider trade ambitions. Coupled with this, the Department for International Trade’s Global Growth Programme must be rolled out to small and micro businesses, as well as mid-sized businesses to allow these firms to access financial support to assist them with for example translation or intermediary costs.
Mike Cherry said: “It is clear that small firms trade with countries based on ease, cost and value. It is vital that any future trade deal, irrespective of whether with the EU or non-EU markets, must deliver these key priorities. A small business chapter, as part of all new trade arrangements, will help allow small firms to fully realise the benefits of international trade.
“Small businesses up and down the UK are excited about the prospect of opening new avenues of trade across the globe. To maximise these opportunities, small firms must be given the tools to do so. Tailored trade support, like financial incentives to support costs attached to international trade including small business trade missions, whether in their own right or as part of supply chains, will empower many to reach out and connect with new markets.”
It is not just about trade, skilled labour is just as important to the success of UK small businesses and it is essential that the Government delivers an easy, cost effective future immigration system, post the implementation period
One fifth (21%) of small employers currently have EU staff and over half 59% of small businesses are concerned about accessing the skills they need post-Brexit.
With such a strong need for skills and talent from the EU, it is critical that the design of any future immigration system is easy, cost-effective and does not add additional red tape for small employers.
FSB is calling for an employer driven immigration system to ensure that businesses can meet their skills and labour needs and allow easy transfer of EU workers between UK employers. This system must not replicate the complexity of the current non EEA, UK points based immigration system which 95% of small businesses have no experience of using.
The new system must also work for the self-employed and small business owners looking to come and set up in the UK, as well as those in the UK looking to carry out assignment and contracts in the EU.
Mike Cherry said: “As the UK wrestles with its productivity challenge and the skills shortage grows, having access to the people that they need is critical for small business success. Without easy and cost effective access to EU workers, firms will be faced with medium term chronic, unresolvable skills gaps, particularly in the mid skilled area. This will impact growth and even the survival of many small businesses.
“It doesn’t matter if you are hiring a packer, mechanic, fruit picker or engineer, small employers need to be able to hire the right people, for the right job, at the right time.
“The Home Office must work hard to deliver an immigration system that that is affordable and easy to navigate. Small businesses should not be put off hiring the right talent or losing staff because the new processes take too long, add too much paperwork or has become too expensive.”
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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.