The £20 million SME Brexit Support Fund is now open for applications from SMEs who trade with the EU.
The fund allows small and medium sized businesses that trade with the EU to apply for grants of up to £2,000, in order to adapt to new customs arrangements and the changes to trade rules with the EU that were brought about by the end of the Brexit transition period.
Businesses who trade solely with the EU or those new to importing and exporting processes are encouraged to take advantage of the funding to undertake training and to gain professional advice.
The grant gives traders the opportunity to upskill their teams by accessing training courses on matters such as VAT processes, rules of origin and new customs processes, ensuring their trade can continue with ease. There are two grants available, one to support training and another for professional advice.
To be eligible, businesses must import or export goods between Great Britain and the EU or move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, have up to 500 employees and no more than £100 million annual turnover. Businesses require additional know-how and capability to move goods effectively when completing their customs declarations internally or through an intermediary like Chambers Wales.
When you are successful with your grant application, or maybe you already have the funds available, get in touch with the international team at Chambers Wales. We can help you to upskill your team through our training courses that provide practical skills to move your goods and stay HMRC compliant. Chambers Wales can provide you with expert supply chain advice and act as a customs intermediary, allowing you to focus on your customers.
How to Apply
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is administering the grants for HMRC, and you can apply here.
The fund was announced in February by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove, and is the latest round of government support for UK trade following Brexit and the ongoing effect of the Coronavirus pandemic. It follows the government setting out a new timetable for introducing import border control processes that will allow UK businesses to focus on their recovery. Full import border control processes will now be introduced on 1 January 2022.
More information can be found on the Government website here.
