The UK has now left the EU and the transition period has ended. On Thursday 24 December 2020 Prime Minister, Boris Johnson gave a statement on the outcome of negotiations with the European Union. In his statement he announced that the United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed a Trade and Cooperation Agreement governing future trade relations from 1 January 2021 which will see no tariffs or quotas on the movement of goods produced between the UK and the EU.  Further information and an explainer document is available here

New rules now apply and there is a useful Business Checker on things like travel and doing business with Europe. You can use this checker to get a personalised list of actions for you, your business and your family.

As we continue to receive updates we will ensure that our Invest Plymouth Transition Page is updated and will of course continue to issue regular newsletters providing information and guidance; if you have yet to sign up to receive these we would highly recommend it. We will also continue to signpost you to other practical information to keep you informed and up to date.

If you have concerns and would like to speak to a member of the Business Support Team, please contact invest@plymouth.gov.uk.

• A New Relationship - Overview (PDF Document) 
• EU Membership Benefits  (PDF Document)

Published: January 2021

Heart of the South West Growth Hub

The Growth Hub has access to a range of resources provided by Government and partners which aim to help businesses by sharing information and guidance on how to do business with the EU from 1 January 2021. 

HMRC Tariff Tool

Here you will find information and a step by step guide to check commodity codes, duty and VAT rates. 

Published: January 2021 

HM Government Business Checker Tool 

New rules now apply to your business when trading with the EU; the above Business Checker Tool will offer your business guidance on the key areas of change. 

Click the link and simply choose from one of the nine key areas you are most interested in.

Sign up to email alerts about EU exit on GOV.UK

The Department for International Trade has released further information for UK businesses about overseas government procurement opportunities. For more information click here.

EORI Number

You will need an EORI number to move goods between Great Britain and other countries, and you may also need a separate EORI number if you move goods to or from Northern Ireland. If you do not have an EORI number you may incur increased costs and/or delays. 

If you already have an EORI number that does not start with GB you will need to apply for a new one. Click here for more information.

HMRC Customs Grant Schemes

There are three different types of grant available through the Customs Grant Scheme. Please visit grants available to find out more about each grant, or use the grant checker to find out which grants you can apply for.

Grants will be issued on a first come, first served basis and applications will close on 30‌‌‌ ‌June 2021, or earlier if all funding is allocated. Applications for the co-funded training project, trader training and for AEO businesses opened on 16‌‌‌ ‌November 2020. For more information on the scheme and how to apply, please read the guidance on GOV.UK

General Export Facility

(GEF) provides partial guarantees to banks to help UK exporters to gain access to trade finance facilities. Through GEF, they can support the following facility types, with maximum repayment terms of up to 5 years:

• cash facilities such as trade loans
• contingent obligation facilities such as bonding and letter of credit lines

To find out more click here

Published: December 2020

Changes for businesses and citizens

You need to act now if you’re

• importing goods from the EU
• exporting goods to the EU
• travelling to the EU
• living and working in the EU
• staying in the UK if you're an EU citizen

Get the complete list of what you need to do for you, your business and your family.

Published: 10 November 2020

Further guidance

• DIT has also published guidance from French customs authorities for UK businesses.
• The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published guidance for businesses.
• Business West offers access to information to help businesses most impacted by the transition.
• Federation of Small Businesses offer support in their Transition Hub which supports small businesses and self-employed people to undertand and prepare for changes.
• Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce have created a booklet on how the transition will affect your business.

Business Support Helpline

There are new rules for businesses doing business with the EU from 1 January, and you need to take action now.  To help you, a helpline has been set up.  For English businesses, the Business Support Helpline can help you identify the actions you need to take.

Businesses in England, call 0800 998 1098

For more information, including opening hours, click here