Be ready for Brexit with Enterprise M3’s free business toolkit
Enterprise M3 has launched a Brexit toolkit to help businesses in the region plan for the impact of the UK leaving the EU. The toolkit has been developed in partnership with the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub and other business support organisations, including Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, County Councils in Surrey and Hampshire, and Business South. According to work carried out by Hampshire and Surrey Chambers of Commerce significant numbers of businesses in the area are not well prepared for Brexit and were "either watching or waiting or taking no action at all". The Enterprise M3 and partners' toolkit offers easy access to a range of authoritative sources of impartial advice and guidance in order for businesses and other employers to plan for Brexit, and can be accessed on the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub website via this link https://enterprisem3growthhub.co.uk/brexit . Kathy Slack, Director, Enterprise M3 LEP, said: "Business support, especially in uncertain times, goes to the very core of what LEPs do. It is in these circumstances when Enterprise M3's on the ground understanding of our business communities, together with our strong ethos of partnership working really pay off." Ross McNally, Executive Chair, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and a non-executive Director of Enteprise M3, added: "Firms across Hampshire and Surrey seek clarity on the trading conditions they will face in future, both within Europe and further afield. This is a first class example of partnership working and will help to address the continuing uncertainties. The next stage is to help businesses make their long term plans. Our priority at Enterprise M3 and through this strong partnership is to continue working with the wider business community so business confidence can be maintained." This practical toolkit will help businesses carry out risk assessments and scenario planning with sign posts to guidance including, Brexit checklists, trade association advice and Government advice on preparations for a "No Deal". We will also be running "Brexit Clinics" in the coming months across the Enterprise M3 area where businesses can have face to face contact with relevant experts. Areas for business owners to consider, especially those who trade with the EU, include logistics models, employment of EU citizens, potential changes to VAT, tax planning and tariffs. The Government is encouraging businesses, to seek out sources of information such as the Enterprise M3 Toolkit to assess how they might be impacted by Brexit, especially in the event of a No Deal. Ross McNally, Executive Chair, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and a non-executive Director of Enteprise M3, added: "Firms across Hampshire and Surrey seek clarity on the trading conditions they will face in future, both within Europe and further afield. This is a first class example of partnership working and will help to address the continuing uncertainties. The next stage is to help businesses make their long term plans. Our priority at Enterprise M3 and through this strong partnership is to continue working with the wider business community so business confidence can be maintained."
