Belfast Chamber Hosts Brexit Support Events

Belfast Chamber has launched a package of support events to help local businesses prepare for Brexit.

The sessions, including a series of free webinars, workshops and one to one consultations, will offer firms a chance to learn more about the potential impact of Brexit and measures they could take to mitigate any negative effects.

The service plan is offered in conjunction with professional services firm Grant Thornton.

Commenting, Belfast Chamber's Chief Executive Simon Hamilton said: "Belfast Chamber recently surveyed its members about their views on Brexit. A strong theme throughout was that many businesses felt they weren't properly prepared for the UK's exit from the European Union and particularly for the possibility of a 'No Deal' outcome."

The organisation secured funding for the sessions, which cover customs, taxation, supply chains, finance and HR issues, through the Government's Business Readiness Fund.

Any local firm can avail of the support.

The sessions will include:

• A High-Level Webinar giving an overview of the impact of Brexit, focusing on common areas of risk and mitigation, as well as looking at business continuity, compliance and costs issues;

• A 'Deeper Dive' Webinar providing a more detailed examination of issues like supply chain and customs, cash and cost management and indirect taxation;

• A Brexit Planning Workshop where participants will benefit from presentations on subjects such as overall Brexit planning, customs and indirect tax, suppliers and supply chains/distribution, finance and cash management, people (employee retention, recruitment and mobility) and regulatory issues. Breakout sessions will provide participants with more time for deeper discussion than the webinars and enable attendees to share experiences; and

• One-to-One Consultations to allow your business to engage with a Brexit expert from Grant Thornton to look at the whole impact of Brexit on your business, identifying risks and opportunities and possible mitigating actions.

This is great opportunity for local businesses to get free, expert advice on what they can do to prepare for Brexit. Firms wishing to get involved are urged to express an interest online.