New grants to help traders manage Brexit

Traders will be able to apply for a grant of up to £2,000 to pay for practical support for importing and exporting to and from the European Union.

The grants are part of a new £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund to help small businesses with changes caused by the UK's departure from the EU.

SMEs who trade only with the EU and are therefore new to importing and exporting processes will be encouraged to apply for grants of up to £2,000 for each trader to pay for practical support, including training and professional advice to ensure they can continue trading effectively with the EU.

A Brexit Business Taskforce has been set up to support businesses prepare for new import controls coming into force from April and July, as set out in the Border Operating Model.

The UK is introducing new import controls in three stages up to 1 July 2021 to allow traders and hauliers time to adjust to new processes.

This means businesses do not have to complete new import declarations for up to six months, unless they are moving controlled goods.

In addition to these new grants, the government has also set up other help, including

• Providing numerous helplines which businesses can contact if they need further information;
• This includes managing dedicated HMRC exporting telephone and online helplines; The number is 0300 322 9434 and businesses can also speak to an adviser online at tax.service.gov.uk;
• Running regular webinars with policy specialists;
• Providing the Brexit Checker Tool on GOV.UK which gives businesses a personalised list of actions that they need to take;
• Offering face-to-face support for exporters in delivered via a network of around 300 International Trade Advisers (ITAs);
• Operating a range of other support schemes including a guarantee scheme aimed at SMEs which means the government can provide an 80% guarantee on financial support from lenders to help with general exporting costs, up to the value of £25 million.

Further help

Our International Advisory Knowledge Hub contains further guidance on dealing with Brexit.

Other government measures already in place to support businesses and workers during the coronavirus emergency can be found in our Business after COVID-19: Transition Knowledge Hub.