About a third of UK businesses want to see a reduction in post-Brexit regulations, a new survey has found.
The study by Santander found that 31% of businesses wanted to see red tape slashed “including customs procedures”, according to the Independent.
Removing requirements for new trading licences and strengthening mutual recognition with Europe on professional standards and qualifications were also cited as areas businesses want to see action on.
A quarter of respondents also said they were looking for more government support in finding international customers and suppliers, while 24% said they needed more assistance recruiting talent within the UK.
‘Unimagined’ bureaucracy
Dr Mike Galsworthy, the chair of the European Movement, told the Independent that Brexit had “dumped previously unimagined new layers of bureaucracy” onto businesses.
“Having now experimented with life outside the EU, we can clearly see that it is a far worse place to be for UK businesses compared with membership of the customs union and single market.”
Best for Britain’s policy director, Tom Brufatto, also says the survey highlights the need for greater “alignment” with the EU on standards and regulations.
“This is further confirmation that beneficial alignment with our largest market on regulations and standards is necessary to reduce trade friction, boost businesses and get the economy growing.”
Recognition challenge
The UK and EU are due to review their post-Brexit trade deal – the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) – in 2026, and prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has repeatedly pledged to “reset” relations with Europe.
He has also said that the UK won’t be rejoining the customs union or single market, but his government is reportedly looking for deals on specific regulatory areas – including veterinary standards – as a way to reduce red tape for traders.
There is also scope within the TCA for more mutual recognition of standards and qualifications to be achieved, but progress on this has been “slow”, according to Business Matters journalist Jamie Young.
“Brussels has only concluded one such agreement, with Canada, to simplify the recognition of architects’ qualifications. Meanwhile, the UK has announced mutual recognition agreements with non-EU countries, including New Zealand, which enables mutual recognition for auditors.”
Gaining confidence
Despite post-Brexit challenges, businesses have gained confidence since Santander ran a similar survey last year.
In this year’s iteration, almost three quarters (74%) said they were confident that their business will grow in the next three years, with 36% saying they were “very confident”. The latter figure was just 22% last year.
Santander said this suggests a “growing sense of optimism” among SMEs in particular as inflation continues to slow.
