Brexit grant scheme launches to help SMEs adapt to changes

Applications have opened for access to the government’s £20 million SME Brexit Support Support Fund to secure a grant of up to £2,000.

Businesses can use the fund to cover the costs of practical support with changes in trade caused by Brexit, such as training for new customs, rules of origin and VAT processes. Business that solely trade with the EU and not other international markets are most encouraged to access the funding.

To be eligible for the grants, businesses must import or export goods between Great Britain and the EU, or move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 

Katherine Green and Sophie Dean, Directors General, Borders and Trade, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), said:

We recognise that changes to customs rules have been challenging for small and micro businesses, and this is why we are encouraging business owners to apply for support through the SME Brexit Support Fund.

“We do not take for granted that the UK’s small businesses – from designers creating bespoke handmade pieces from their kitchen tables, to those selling sweet treats – are vital to the growth and prosperity of our economy, so we look forward to supporting them with practical help to do business with our European partners, on top of a wide range of support available from the government.”

The SME Brexit Support grant scheme have been welcomed by organisations representing UK businesses, which have faced the dual challenges of adapting to Brexit changes at the same time as the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic impacts the economy.

Mike Cherry, Federation of Small Businesses National Chairman, said:

The vast majority of UK small firms that do business overseas trade with the EU. Not only are they trying to stay afloat as lockdowns gradually ease, they now have new, unfamiliar paperwork and costs to navigate when they buy from, or sell to, Europe.

“That’s why we asked the government for targeted funding to help them navigate these fresh demands, and it’s brilliant to see that funding go live today.

“We encourage all eligible small businesses to take a look and apply for this new source of help.”

Jon Geldart, Director-General, Institute of Directors, said:

“Smaller firms have long needed assistance with managing the host of new requirements that come with changing our EU trading arrangements, and that need has only grown in the current adjustment phase.

“This is why the Institute of Directors has campaigned for so long to help companies with the cost of accessing the professional advice they need, and we commend the government for stepping in to do so.”

Businesses that are unsure of whether changes to the UK’s trading relationship with the EU will affect them can make use of the Government’s checker tool for a summary of actions they may need to take.

To support business preparations, BEIS is also hosting free webinars to help organisations understand new rules and what actions they may need to take.