No deal Brexit will bring 'huge disruption' to Doncaster firms, say local business chiefs

Doncaster Chamber says companies need to be ready in order to avoid delays and extra costs as the deadline for the end of the transition period nears ever closer.

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But with the negotiations on a free-trade deal with the bloc stuck, many firms across the town say they still don't know key details of what those changes will be.

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The UK left the EU early this year but remained part of the 27-nation bloc’s economic embrace during an 11-month transition as the two sides tried to negotiate a new free-trade deal to take effect January 1.

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Talks have already slipped past the mid-November date long set as a deadline for agreement to be reached if it is to be approved by lawmakers in Britain and the EU before the end of the year.

Teams led by EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier and British counterpart David Frost are continuing, with both sides agreeing to extend negotiations.

“If there is no deal, New Year’s Day will bring huge disruption, with the overnight imposition of tariffs and other barriers to UK-EU trade. That will hurt both sides, but the burden will fall most heavily on Britain, which does almost half its trade with the EU,” said Adrian Platts, International Trade and Business Support Manager at Doncaster Chamber.

But firms that trade with the EU say they still don´t know what conditions they will face in a month’s time.

"There’s an awful lot businesses that don’t feel ready because they struggle to navigate and find clarity in the raft of Brexit information on the government website," continued Mr Platts.

“Things will be smoother with a deal, which would remove quotas and tariffs on goods, though businesses still face new obstacles and red tape, including customs declarations and border checks.

“I would advise anyone needing support and guidance to get in touch with the Chamber team. While Doncaster Chamber still has capacity to help companies who are importing or exporting to the EU after Brexit, firms must act quickly to avoid a situation where brokers or agents do not have the resources to onboard businesses.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.