Getting Your Business Brexit Ready

The government has launched a new campaign to highlight practical steps Irish businesses must take to prepare for the UK's departure from the EU.

Launched by Tánaiste Simon Coveney and Ministers Heather Humphreys and Helen McEntee the Getting Your Business Brexit Ready – Practical Steps campaign includes:

• Understand the new rules for UK importing and exporting

• Review your supply chain and UK market strategy

• Be aware of possible changes to transport and logistics

• Review all your certification, regulation and licencing

• Review your contracts and data management

• Ensure you are maximising Government Brexit programmes and supports

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

• Protect and inform your staff

• Know more about the impact to your sector.

Central to the campaign is a user-friendly digital booklet, which was launched in the RDS this afternoon by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys TD and Minister for European Affairs Helen McEntee TD. The digital booklet, which provides a comprehensive overview for businesses on the core steps they should take, can be accessed here.

A nationwide advertising campaign will target the previously identified sectors of concern which still have low levels of Brexit preparedness. These include:

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

• Construction businesses

• Manufacturing companies

• Agri-food businesses

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

• Hauliers.

These sectors account for a significant quantity of business and jobs right across the country and it is vital that they take the right steps now to minimise the impact of Brexit on their business. The Practical Steps campaign will also be promoted at the Brexit Hub, which will form part of the Government of Ireland presence at the National Ploughing Championships later this month.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney, said: "A no deal Brexit has profound implications for Ireland on all levels. There remains a substantial risk of a no deal Brexit on 31 October 2019, and work on no deal Brexit preparations has the highest priority across Government. By following these nine practical steps, businesses can ensure that they are as prepared as they can be for the changes Brexit will bring."

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys, added: "Continuing to prepare for Brexit makes good business sense. As the UK is one of our closest trading and business partners, this will mean change for all Irish businesses – regardless of location, size or sector. With eight weeks to go until 31 October, Government has published nine steps that businesses, large and small, should do now."

Minister for European Affairs Helen McEntee TD also said: "There is no single approach to getting Brexit ready and there is still some uncertainty regarding what Brexit will mean in practice. However, by taking these nine steps businesses large and small can be as prepared for Brexit as possible. If anyone is concerned about Brexit and the impact it may have on their daily life or their business, there is a single Government website that can start to get you prepared. Go to gov.ie/brexit."