5th February 2021
Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy T.D. will today (Friday, 5 February) address a Local Enterprise Offices’ webinar on Brexit, focusing on what has changed for small businesses since the UK left the EU just over a month ago.
The webinar, which is open to all on the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) Facebook and YouTube pages, will cover how doing business with the UK has changed, how businesses can adapt and what Government supports are available to help them.
Ahead of the webinar, Minister Troy outlined how essential it is to utilise the supports and advice out there.
“We are now dealing with the new realities of trade with the UK as a result of the UK leaving the European Single Market. I know the fallout from Brexit is an additional challenge for businesses who are already responding to what has been a really difficult year, but there are significant supports available for companies to help them with the changes. The Local Enterprise Offices’ Prepare Your Business for Customs programme, along with Enterprise Ireland’s Online Readiness Checker and Ready for Customs grant all provide thorough assistance to companies dealing with import and export issues. The LEOs also have Brexit Mentoring available to companies where LEOs will appoint an issue specific mentor to a business to help them work through any difficulties.”
Bord Bia are also providing advice on supply chain management and customs procedures for exporting, while Skillnet Ireland’s ‘Clear Customs’ offers essential online training to equip businesses to deal with new customs challenges. In addition to these supports, the Revenue Commissioners are available to help businesses who are experiencing difficulties with customs procedures by contacting them at brexitqueries@revenue.ie or at 01 738 3685.
For businesses needing to avail of finance, the Brexit Loan Scheme, made available in cooperation with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) and the European Investment Fund, continues to offer low-cost finance of up to €1.5m to eligible Brexit-impacted businesses as they pivot and adapt to new markets and suppliers.
Today’s Local Enterprise webinar will feature Head of Enterprise from LEO Donegal, Michael Tunney, on the UK trade issues he is seeing with clients and how they are overcoming them. He will also be on hand to answer any live questions coming in from businesses and entrepreneurs.
The webinar will also hear from Moxi Loves co-founder and CEO, Pamela Laird. The Apprentice UK finalist put in considerable preparation ahead of Brexit for her beauty company that deals extensively with retail outlets in the UK. She will discuss the steps she took and any advice she has for businesses who are having issues with their products getting to or from the UK.
“The Government remains committed to supporting businesses navigating the new reality and I am urging companies to reach out and engage with the various customs training and grants, tariff advisory services, loans schemes, and other advisory supports available. The experience, advice and supports are there for businesses who reach out for assistance. This Friday’s Lunch & Learn webinar is a great opportunity for businesses to log on, hear some practical advice from those working in the area and what support they can get if they need it,” Minister Troy said ahead of the event.
The Local Enterprise Office Lunch & Learn Webinar “Brexit – What has changed for small businesses & key supports” takes place at 1pm on Friday, February 5, and can watched live for free on the LEOs Facebook and YouTube pages. www.facebook.com/LocalEnterpriseOffices and www.YouTube.com/LocalEnterpriseOffice
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