A new training and support package designed specifically to help small and medium-sized firms manage changes to trade rules with the EU has launched.
The Institute of Export & International Trade has unveiled its SME Brexit Support Package to help firms prepare for new customs, rules of origin and VAT rules when trading with the EU.
The package involves a one-day inhouse training course covering core elements of UK-EU trade and customs procedures followed by a bespoke action plan for the business taking part.
Wide distribution
SMEs can have up to 15 staff members attending, ensuring wide distribution of UK-EU trade knowledge around a firm's business.
“This package is tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses,” said Kevin Shakespeare, IOE&IT Academy director. “We’ve consumed all the government announcements and listened to our members to create this bespoke package to help them navigate the new trading relationship with the EU.”
£2000 funding
The IOE&IT SME package is launched at the same time as HM Government opened its new SME Brexit Support Fund for applications.
Provided they meet certain eligibility criteria, the £20m government fund provides a single business with £2000 funding towards the costs of training and/or professional advice, to help SMEs adapt to changes to trade rules with the EU.
“To help you adapt to new rules for trade with the EU, our SME Brexit Support Package is a good place to start," Shakespeare said.
SMEs can claim back 100% of the IOE&IT package's cost – £1950 inc VAT for non-members and £1750 inc VAT for members – through the government grant.
Trade expert
A trade expert provides the day's in-house training (via virtual classroom), looking at the specific impacts the new rules will have on the business taking the course.
The trainer will then create a one-page action plan on next steps to ensure the SME continues trading smoothly with the EU.
Core topics covered:
- EU:UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA)
- Exporting to the EU
- Importing from the EU
- Rules of origin for duty-free trade
- Incoterms for EU trade
- Commodity codes
- Trade and customs documentation
- Customs procedures
- Product regulatory compliance
