The Government has released guidance for its £20 million Brexit support package for small businesses to adjust to new customs and VAT rules when trading with the EU.
The scheme allows SMEs to receive up to £2,000 to help with training or professional advice if their firm has been established in the UK for at least 12 months, has up to 500 employees and no more than £100m annual turnover.
Businesses can use the grant for training on customs declarations and processes, as well as specific import and export related aspects, which include VAT, excise and rules of origin.
Applications close on 30 June 2021, or earlier if all the funding is allocated before this date.
Mike Cherry, chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said:
“Small businesses, often with few cash reserves, are for the first time facing complex new customs processes, VAT requirements and rules of origin.
“We have been asking for proper financial assistance of this scale, so that a cash-strapped small business can afford to buy-in expertise, training and practical support.”
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HMRC publishes guidance on SME Brexit support scheme
In the 11th and 12th centuries half a million pilgrims a year travelled on foot from all over Europe to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. In September 1992 Patrick Shanahan retraced their steps, recording his 500 mile journey in a series of photographs, some of which are reproduced on this website.