‘Take action now’:Gedling borough businesses told to prepare for new EU rules in 2021

Businesses in Gedling borough are urged to take action now to prepare for new EU rules which come into force on January 1, 2021.

The UK has left the EU and, with the transition period ending on December 31,the Government is telling local businesses that they need to be ready for changes to avoid disruption at the end of the year and to take advantage of new opportunities from January 2021. 

The Government has outlined a number of steps that businesses need to take now to prepare for the new rules…

• If you sell goods to the EU you must prepare for new customs procedures. Visit GOV.UK to check duties and customs procedures for exporting your goods worldwide from 1 January 2021.
• If you travel to the EU for work purposes you will need to check if you need a visa or work permit and apply if necessary.
• If you employ overseas nationals you will need to prepare your business for the implementation of the new immigration system. From 1 January 2021, if you want to hire anyone from outside the UK, including from the EU, you must be a Home Office licenced sponsor. 
• If you are a UK business or organisation that receives personal data from contacts in the EEA, you may need to take extra steps to ensure that the data can continue to flow legally at the end of the transition period.
• If you provide services in the EU, you must ensure that your qualifications are now recognised by EU regulations to be able to practice or service clients in the EU. 

Businesses can get a personalised summary of the actions they need to take by using the simple tool on gov.uk/transition. 

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove said: “At the end of this year we are leaving the EU Single Market and Customs Union and this means there are both new challenges and opportunities for businesses. 

“It is vitally important that businesses and citizens who have not yet taken action to prepare for the big changes which are coming do so now.”

Don’t leave preparation until the last minute and risk disruption to your business. Check gov.uk/transition now to find out what you need to do to ensure your business is ready for the new rules fromJanuary 1.

“I know businesses have their hands full with the Covid 19, but don’t leave it until the last minute.”

Hall-Fast Industrial Supplies is a predominantly online business based in Mansfield. It exports a standard range of 600,000 products such as workwear, tools and industrial equipment to approximately 100 overseas markets. Exporting is key to the success of the business – it makes up about 30% of Hall-Fast’s sales, and this is growing.

Hall-Fast have been preparing for the end of the transition period for many months, checking gov.uk/transition for help and advice, particularly around new exporting rules, including changes to processes and licensing. They have also been speaking with customers to understand their requirements, as well as suppliers and competitors.  

Malcolm Hall, Founder, Owner and Managing Director of Hall-Fast, said:

“I know businesses have their hands full with the Covid 19 situation, but I strongly advise businesses to check the GOV.UK website for help and advice and don’t leave it until the last minute.

“Definitely get your EORI number, speak to your suppliers and customers, and also speak to your competitors to find out what they’re doing”.