£20m Brexit Support Fund for SMEs welcomed by Telford firm
A £20 million Brexit support package to help SMEs with changes to trade rules with the EU has been welcomed by the boss of Telford-based Global Freight Services.
The SME Brexit Support Fund, announced by the Government, will support SMEs adjust to new customs, rules of origin, and VAT rules when trading with the EU.
Anton Gunter, managing director of Global Freight, said: “The announcement of the SME Brexit Support Fund is good news for all those small businesses who want to continue trading with Europe but do not have the expertise or knowledge to deal with complex customs processes.
“This funding means many SMEs will now be able to bring in the expertise they need to keep up to speed and deal with the new procedures including new import controls which will come into effect in April.
"We’re confident this grant assistance will enable small businesses to keep moving forward with their European export growth plans and we look forward to assisting as many Shropshire businesses as we can.”
The fund announcement follows extensive engagement with individual businesses, leading business organisations and trade associations from across all parts of the UK, including through the Brexit Business Taskforce.
To provide SMEs with additional support, the fund will be administered through the pre-existing Customs Grant Scheme and will open for applications next month.
Michael Gove, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: "The Government has listened carefully to the issues raised by the business community through the Brexit Business Taskforce and that’s why we are bringing forward this financial support to help small businesses adapt to the changes to our trading relationship with the EU.
"This new targeted funding will see small businesses get more of the practical support they need to adjust to the new processes and prepare for further changes as we implement our own import controls in April and July.
"Together we will seize new opportunities available to a fully independent global trading UK."
