Third of Doncaster firms not ready for Brexit, town's business chiefs say

A third of Doncaster firms aren't ready for Brexit, Doncaster Chamber says.

With less than 100 days to go until the end of the Brexit transition period, business communities in Doncaster are facing the triple threat of a resurging Coronavirus, receding government support schemes and a potentially disorderly and messy end to the transition period, the Doncaster Business Insight study says.

According to the data, 32% of firms stated that they felt unprepared, while 73% feel the national Government is unprepared for Britain’s break from the EU.

A spokesman said: “There remain significant unanswered questions for businesses, and, despite government efforts and public information campaigns, business preparation levels nationally remain low.

“The latest Doncaster Business Insight survey results indicate that many businesses are not prepared for the end of the Brexit transition period.”

Results also indicated a suppressed appetite for businesses to look overseas for opportunities.

The study found that 18.9% of firms reported that Brexit will make it very unlikely for their business to explore commercial opportunities and customers overseas.

And more than 25% of respondents stated that Brexit will make it very unlikely or unlikely for their business to have suppliers based overseas.

Barriers to growing UK based suppliers included associated costs (44%), availability of products (28%) and the quality of those products (9.8%)

Commenting on the latest results, Adrian Platts, International Trade Manager at Doncaster Chamber said: “Businesses can only prepare for the future if there are clear facts on the ground including guidance and legislation from Government. Combined with the impact of Coronavirus and the winding-down of Government support schemes, it is difficult for Doncaster businesses to plan appropriately.

“It is crucial that Government acts now to provide clarity on the unanswered questions surrounding Brexit to instil confidence and ensure that businesses do not have to contend with more challenges that are not of their making.”

A complete briefing of results from the latest Doncaster Business Insight survey and a panel discussion focusing on the current and future impact of leaving the EU takes place Monday, 26 October.

You can click HERE to book.