Welsh Secretary meets business leaders on EU transition
The meeting included representatives from organisations including CBI Wales and Federation of Small Business Wales to discuss upcoming changes to the way businesses interact with the EU
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart has met key business organisations to discuss readiness for the end of the EU transition period.
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the end of the transition period at the end of December will mean new rules which will affect people, businesses and travel to and from the EU.
Regardless of whether a trade agreement with the EU is reached, from 1 January there will be changes to the way businesses import and export goods, the process for hiring people from the EU and the way services are provided in EU markets so the UK Government is urging businesses to prepare.
Last week’s meeting, which took place on Thursday (15 October) included CBI Wales, South and North Wales chambers of commerce, Federation of Small Business Wales and the Institute of Directors.
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:
All businesses are currently operating in extremely challenging circumstances, but it is nevertheless vital that they prepare immediately for our new relationship with the EU, outside of the single market and customs union. Unless business takes action now, there is a risk that their operations will be interrupted.
Businesses will play an essential role in ensuring a smooth end to the transition period and the UK Government will be there to support them as we embark on a new start for Wales and the UK.
Businesses can find out what they need to do by visiting gov.uk/transition and using the checker tool.