Irwin Mitchell Webinar Says Businesses And Individuals Must Take Steps To Be Brexit Ready Now

As efforts to secure a trade deal enter their final stages, a round table discussion on Brexit this week highlighted the main issues businesses and individuals need to prepare for now as the end of the transition period draws near.

Entitled ‘Brexit: Preparing For The End of Transition’, the hour long event led by a core team of Irwin Mitchell experts, examined the key areas in detail, addressing the concerns of delegates and sharing practical tips to help with the final stages of Brexit planning.

The event follows the launch of an Irwin Mitchell online hub to curate the areas that need to be considered in relation to Brexit, regardless of if a trade deal is agreed with the EU or not.

The event was attended by 110 delegates, from students, to CEO’s, directors and project managers. The manufacturing, education, real estate, construction and retail sectors were all represented, in addition to financial and professional services firms and media and entertainment.

Key questions on the day centred around concerns involving new customs procedures and the immigration process, together with questions on VAT and regulatory issues and business travel.

The movement of goods and cross-border provision of services, in respect of Northern Ireland, the EU and the rest of the world was raised, in addition to the movement of people and regulatory compliance and where businesses stand who have a cross-border group corporate structure.

Chairing the debate was Bruce Macmillan, Irwin Mitchell’s General Counsel. Bruce was joined on the panel by Stuart Padgham, a partner on the commercial team and employment law specialist Sybille Steiner, who answered some of the questions on the immigration process, advising delegates on what steps need to be taken in respect of their workforce, in order to deal with the implications of the new immigration laws.

Regulatory questions were fielded by Craig Weston, while corporate partner Bryan Bletso advised attendees in relation to M&A and the most suitable group structure for the future.

Partner Sarah Cardew, covered the tax issues raised by Brexit and personal injury partner Cheryl Palmer-Hughes advised the session to flag any issue or case with a lawyer immediately, if involving an EU member state, resident or company that might need to be resolved before the Courts.

Proceedings might need to be commenced to protect a position, even where an out of court settlement is likely and the advice holds true for those who have a judgment not yet satisfied, as enforcement would be better completed before 31 December.

Expert Opinion

“This live event was a great way to allow people to express their concerns as Brexit draws near and for a frank and open exchange of ideas, while also delivering some home truths.

“The fact is that any deal will not involve much more that WTO terms and everyone needs to factor this into their planning. Some things will not now change significantly and holding out for an eleventh hour trade deal will not significantly improve the position for many firms.

“There tends to be a UK weighting to Brexit, but as pointed out by colleagues, much of our practical advice applied to EU businesses wishing to continue trading with the UK, as well as British business, something that’s easy to forget in the ongoing covid-19 concerns.

“It is important also to focus on trade and relationships, both to and from the rest of the world and within the United Kingdom, as these too will change significantly. An emphasis was also placed on looking at your customers and suppliers, to understand how the things that will impact on them will in turn impact on you and your business.

“Many businesses are well on with their planning but for those in the UK and the EU who may have put Brexit on the back burner due to coronavirus; really need to have these conversations with their partners and suppliers now, to ensure all is in place ahead of 31 December.” Bruce Macmillan - Group General Counsel

Find out more and register for future Brexit webinars.