Posted on Friday 31st January 2020
Businesses in Staffordshire are reminded to get the right advice as the UK’s exit from the EU approaches.
When the UK leaves the EU on January 31, there will be a transition period until the end of the year, where the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements.
Businesses are urged to undertake a free ‘health check’ to help plan for any changes that may affect them, as well as challenges and opportunities ahead.
Stoke and Staffordshire Growth Hub, managed by Staffordshire County Council for the Local Enterprise Partnership, has hosted several workshops on the UK’s exit from the EU.
The Hub will be holding more events for businesses in the coming weeks and months during the transition period. More information, plus advice and guidance, is available on their website www.stokestaffsgrowthhub.co.uk.
Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Philip Atkins said:
“The UK’s exit from the EU presents businesses with a wide range of opportunities, but businesses need to ensure they are aware of the advice and guidance available to help them prepare for 2021 when the transition period ends. I’ve done the checks on the Government’s website and it’s worth the few minutes to just see what you might have to do.
“We have been working with various Government departments and organisations that represent councils to help shape the national direction and raise Staffordshire’s profile in preparing for the future. Our priority is to make sure Staffordshire remains a place where businesses can prosper, and the interests of our businesses and economy are safeguarded.”
Additionally, residents who are EU, EEA or Swiss citizens are being reminded to check if they should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. Applications are open until June 30, 2021 if the UK leaves the EU with a deal.
Nearly 9,000 residents in Staffordshire applied for settled status between August and September last year.
Philip continued:
“The government are continuing to roll out their campaign to ensure as many people as possible who are eligible apply for settled or pre-settled status. EU citizens in Staffordshire make a great contribution to our economy, so we want to ensure as many of them as possible are aware of the scheme and can apply before the June 31 deadline. I would urge them to visit www.gov.uk/brexit to see what they need to do to apply.”
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