We are an SME nation, yet the voice of small business is often drowned out in times of disruption
We are currently living through two once-in-a-lifetime events, in the form of the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit, and we wanted our members to be heard as we rapidly approach the end of the crucial UK-EU transition period.
We conducted a survey on issues from the perceived impact of Brexit, to the clarity of Government guidance and whether companies have changed their minds on exporting to Europe altogether, and some of the results were alarming:
Clarity
One quarter of all respondents thought Government guidance was totally unclear.
Time running out
45 per cent of business owners were still figuring out their future plans just weeks away from the transition period’s end
Rethink
One in three businesses are rethinking their plans to export to the EU after the transition period ends
The way 2020 has panned out will mean that the final days of Brexit will always be viewed through the prism of the coronavirus pandemic, but while the end is in sight for Covid-19’s effects, our members tell us that the uncertainty of our future trading relationship with the European Union could be just as deadly for their businesses.
Related
Brexit and EU transition timeline
Discover the historical key events leading up to Brexit and the end of the EU transition period to ensure you and your business are prepared for trading after 1 January 2021
ten steps to prepare for a no-deal Brexit
See top success stories from around the world and learn how businesses are using GS1 standards for traceability