Brexit advice offered amid concerns on impact of new EU trading rules
Brexit experts are offering free advice to Chamber members amid growing concerns on the impact of changes to the rules on trading with the EU.
Since the end of the UK's transition period with the EU, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) staff report businesses experiencing issues with VAT, rules of origin and delivering services in the EU.
In response to concerns, GBCC will be holding a virtual Brexit Clinic on 25 January, featuring guest experts to help businesses get to grips with new trading rules.
The webinar will begin with each expert providing an overview of the essential changes businesses need to be aware of and steps they need to take before breaking out into digital roundtable discussions.
Andy Ilsley, VAT director at Chamber Patron RSM will be discussing both VAT implications on trade in goods and advice for the services sector. Andy has over 27 years experience in the field, and focuses on advising corporate, internationally-focused clients with complex supply chains to ensure that VAT compliance requirements are identified, appropriate indirect tax risks mitigated, and efficiencies achieved.
David Reader will be focusing on trading in goods with the EU. David has over 30 years experience of dealing with trading businesses including the last 13 specialising in Trade and Trade Finance whilst working for a major High Street Bank.
Find out more and register here, the session is available for Chamber members only.
Henrietta Brealey (pictured), director of policy and strategic relationships at the GBCC, said: “The deal goes a lot further in some areas - such as tariffs - than the overwhelming majority of trade deals. However, Brexit is still the single biggest change to political and trading relationships that UK businesses have seen in a generation.
“We are hearing loud and clear from our members that there 's confusion and uncertainty regarding rules of origin (whether their goods qualify for tariff free trade or not), VAT and who is responsible for paying it, what is required on customs documentation and what they need to do to continue delivering services in EU member states.
“These are fiddly, technical areas that are causing headaches for businesses already under pressure due to operating through Covid-19.
“As a result, we 've teamed up with guest experts from our membership to bring forward a GBCC Brexit Clinic focused on just these issues.
“These events are your opportunity to speak directly with guest experts in small, digital roundtable groups to get free advice and guidance directly relevant for your business.
“While Brexit may be 'done ' the changes for businesses are not over yet, we will continue to support and inform our members throughout the coming months as well as lobbying on our members ' behalf. Our expert international trade and customs documentation team are on hand with advice and services to help keep business moving. ”
Find out more about the Brexit business support available from the Chamber here.