EU and International Update

Writing in the Times last week, CBI acting Director-General Josh Hardie stressed the urgency of agreeing to a deal at the earliest opportunity. Firms have been working hard during the pandemic to prepare for the end of the transition period on 31 December, but many business-critical issues remain unresolved. It is time for the political and economic timetables to converge. Businesses have made significant efforts to prepare, but many have gone as far as they can without the clarity and guidance that a deal will bring. A deal will help investment by removing the threat of tariffs and quotas and catalyse confidence through enhanced customs cooperation while making data adequacy possible. The clarity that comes with a deal will have an instant impact on firms’ efforts to prepare. 

The CBI understands waiting for the outcome of the negotiations is difficult for businesses, but there are actions that business can take today to prepare for the end of the transition period. To help firms prepare, the CBI UK Transition Hub has practical resources, designed to help businesses of every shape and size prepare for the end of transition, which is being kept up to date as new