Read on Twitter
A " #Brexit for Business"' thread .
Or, "The Impossibility of Preparing for the Unknown"
Or, "Didn't They Say There Would Be Less Red Tape?"
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.
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.
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The first one I received was rescinded as 'issued in duplicate in error'.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'.
The first one I received was rescinded as 'issued in duplicate in error'.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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' ????
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.
