A " #Brexit for Business"' thread .

Or, "The Impossibility of Preparing for the Unknown"

Or, "Didn't They Say There Would Be Less Red Tape?"

Due to the UK crashing out (there, I said it) of the EU in just a few months time, businesses will have to make numerous changes.

The Government has made a 'questionnaire' online tailored to your specific business.

Here's a thread detailing the elements I have to address.

Context & Background : I import from the EU and export to the EU, motorcycle and cycling parts, spares, tools and accessories. Some of which are my own design and I have made in the EU.

001 : Because I do business on EU based websites and via EU based companies, I need to develop two separate sets of accounting and reporting data, instead of one.

002 : Because I gain customers on EU based websites and via EU based companies, I now need to ensure that data is GDPR (or equivalent) compliant over two systems.

003 : Because I import from the EU and export to the EU I will have to pay tariffs on both logistical pathways. I still do not know with clarity what those tariffs will be. I have had to employ a specialist advisor to help with this.

004 : Because I import from the EU and export to the EU so I will have customs paperwork both ways.

Again, I have had to employ a Customs Agent to handle this matter.

It was so simple before - I did myself.

005 ; Because I import from the EU and export to the EU I need to get the EORI code.

The first one I received was rescinded as 'issued in duplicate in error'.

The second was invalid.

I await the third. And it takes a lot longer than their claim of 'a week'.

006/007 : Because I export to the EU there are 33 new regulations I will probably have to ensure I abide by.

Or 24. Or 47.

No-one really knows which.

008 : The goods pre-registration process is a complex, chaotic mockery.

Few seem to be able to navigate it.

I have had to employ an outside contractor to handle it.

009 : Because I manufacture, buy, import, export and sell vehicle (motorcycle parts) this process also applies to me.

Rather than their '4 weeks' i have been waiting 9 weeks so far.

Still not sure whether my application was correct or not. Or will be accepted.

010 : Because I import branded goods (IP protected) and also my own designed goods, this Intellectual Protection is important to me.

Yes, I need the protection, and it's cost me £1740 and €1320 in legal bills to get done.

011 : Because I import also my own designed goods, I now have to register and 'disclose' them in advance.

No cost, just a lot of paperwork.

A lot.

012 : I import certain lubricants which come under this heading.

I have registered on this scheme (more time wasted) but have yet to hear back.

013 : According to the GOV site my products are 'dual-use' so this is more paperwork for me.

014 : Yup, more paperwork for me to do.

015 : And more.

In short, a mountain of documents to complete, reams of data to assemble and accumulate, and extra - permanent - protocols and practices that I have to incorporate into my business.

Remember when they told us that remaining in the EU meant too much .... 'red tape' ????

And to sum up, here's what #Brexit means to the UK Small Businesses.