Scenario planning for Brexit Written by our Brexit Manager, Mark Sterritt
Scenario Planning
Planning can begin with basic questions around the freedom of movement of goods, services, people and how that impacts a business. What might the impact be if tariffs or non-tariff barriers are introduced? What is the potential tariff that could be levied on my products? Do I know what rules of origin certificates are and what they cost?
In answering these questions, and InterTradeIreland’s new service can help with this process, the next step is to act, or at least to prepare alternative scenarios and actions depending on what emerges from the negotiations. Innovation, the application of Lean techniques, diversification are just some options to build higher margins within a business model and support is available from InterTradeIreland and other industrial development support agencies to assist in all these areas.
How do I get started?
Critically we are encouraging business owners to engage widely throughout the Brexit process. Talk with industry representative bodies, with industrial support agencies like InterTradeIreland, lenders, your workforce, customers and suppliers. Policy makers are also intensely interested in direct feedback from the business community to inform negotiating stances.
InterTradeIreland’s message is simple while we recognise the pressures facing small business owners dealing with the here and now, there is, nevertheless, a window of opportunity now that must be grasped to prepare for the challenges and indeed the opportunities that will be presented by a new cross-border trading relationship that is set to emerge over the next few years.
Where can I get help?
InterTradeIreland is a one-stop-shop for help, support and events on Brexit, as we work across so many areas - from policy and strategy to sales and marketing in the cross-border arena, we are in a unique position to provide information and guidance. www.intertradeireland.com/brexit or contact brexit@intertradeireland.com
Hear how McMahon Associates based in Armagh availed of £2,000 of funding from InterTradeIreland to get ready for Brexit.