Businesses urged to seek proper support following EU import and export changes

Businesses across Cheshire and Warrington are being urged to make sure they are getting proper support to make importing and exporting with the European Union as easy as possible following rule changes earlier this year.

From January 1 2022, businesses exporting and importing with the EU have been subject to various changes including border declarations, customs controls, rules of origin and commodity codes.

Many businesses are facing challenges as a result of these changes and Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub has already engaged and supported 4,500 of them since the EU Exit to try and offer support.

Andy Devaney, Business Innovation Director at Cheshire and Warrington Growth Hub, part of Cheshire and Warrington LEP said: “Since the exit from the EU we’ve been working hard to support businesses that have been impacted and especially since these changes came into force at the start of the year.

“Unfortunately we are now seeing some businesses losing out to EU suppliers as customers look to source from within the EU.

“As a result of this, we’ve seen businesses making difficult decisions including no longer trading with the EU but also establishing a presence there, to make the export process easier.”

The Growth Hub is now also urging businesses to speak to them if they need support around the changes or by the conflict following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Andy added: “We’re keen to help any businesses that need support to navigate these changes so they can continue to grow and thrive.

“In particular, we know small and medium-sized businesses face issues, as they have fewer resources to draw upon. However, there is still potential to be innovative, we’ve heard of businesses looking at new opportunities in the UK and abroad – for example with Commonwealth countries with Free Trade Agreements and also investing in digital infrastructure to support their business.

“We are here to support businesses and can try and help with whatever they need - we’ve already been providing help in a range of areas already, including with declarations, rules of origin paperwork and tax obligations.

“Alongside this, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has recently caused further issues for businesses trading in these two countries and are working alongside the Government to provide support for those impacted.”

The Growth Hub continues to work with partners including the Department for International Trade, the Government’s Export Support Team and have commissioned specialist advisors to ensure that businesses get the support they need to trade effectively with Europe.

The Export Support Team is available to any UK business selling goods or services to Europe available by phone or online. You can ask any question for your business, including on:

• exporting to new markets
• paperwork you need to sell your goods abroad
• rules for a specific country where you want to sell services

With the changing environment in Eastern Europe there is a dedicated service for businesses trading with Ukraine or Russia.

If you have a question about trading with Ukraine or Russia use the dedicated online service or call 0300 303 8955. Read the latest information about sanctions on trading with Russia.

Businesses can find a range of support on the Growth Hub website or get in touch for support direct on 0330 024 5007.