Govt Issues Fresh Brexit Advice For Businesses

With 10 weeks to go until the UK's exit of the EU on 31 October, the Government is reminding businesses of the need to prepare for Brexit.

Government Ministers are directly appealing to a number of sectors of concern as contingency plans indicate that the following sectors have low levels of Brexit preparedness:

• Smaller businesses who may not realize they are trading with the UK

• Construction

• Manufacturing

• Agrifood businesses, particularly those in food production

• Retail, particularly independent shops and hardware stores who source products from or through the UK.

• Hauliers.

Businesses and consumers with concerns are encouraged to visit the Getting Ireland Brexit Ready online resource for practical advice.

In particular, firms both large and small are reminded of the nine key steps which can be done now:

1. Understand the new rules for UK importing and exporting

2. Review your supply chain and UK market strategy

3. Be aware of possible changes to transport and logistics

4. Review all your certification, regulation and licencing

5. Review your contracts and data management

6. Ensure you are maximising Government Brexit programmes and supports

7. Manage your cash flow, currency and make sure your banking is in order

8. Protect and inform your staff

9. Know more about the impact to your sector.

Speaking about the situation, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney said: "Work on Brexit preparations has the highest priority across Government, particularly as the likelihood of a no deal Brexit increases. A no deal Brexit would have profound implications for Ireland on all levels. These include macroeconomic, trade and sectoral challenges, both immediately and in the longer term.

"The Government's Brexit Contingency Action Plan Update reflects the extensive work which has taken place at EU level and on a whole-of-Government basis, including the Brexit Omnibus Act, to prepare for a no deal Brexit. Now, with 10 weeks to go, we are urging businesses and consumers to prepare.

"It is only by Government, businesses and citizens working together nationally and with our EU partners that we can aim to mitigate as far as possible the impacts of a no deal Brexit, and ensure that we are as prepared as we can be for the changes it will bring."