Cutting through 'noise and confusion' over Brexit

A free online tool is being launched by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce in a bid to cut through the “noise and confusion surrounding Brexit”.

The Business Brexit Health Check helps businesses find information on how Brexit may impact their organisation, tailored to answers they provide to in a questionnaire.

Businesses will also receive a personalised report which includes suggested steps for preparing for Brexit related risks or taking up opportunities.

According to research released by British Chambers of Commerce earlier this year, 62 per cent of businesses in the West Midlands had yet to undertake a risk assessment on the impact of Brexit on their business.

Henrietta Brealey (pictured), director of policy and strategic relationships at the GBCC, said: “We are starting to get more and more questions from businesses on what they can do to start preparing for Brexit now. You asked – and we delivered.

"There are thousands of pages of Brexit related advice, guidance and news reports published each day. With this tool we’re aiming to cut through the noise and confusion surrounding Brexit and get businesses the practical information they need to ramp up their preparations.

“The recent huge uncertainty regarding the proposed Withdrawal Deal has highlighted how important it is for businesses to be as informed and prepared as possible. As it stands, there’s only just over 18 weeks until the UK leaves the European Union, 29 March 2019, which is not long at all in business planning terms.

“This tool shows businesses where they may be exposed to Brexit related changes and signposts to relevant Chamber materials highlighting what we know so far about two key scenarios on the table: the draft withdrawal deal and a “no-deal” Brexit.

“While clarity on the final Brexit outcome remains elusive there are practical steps that businesses can take now to understand how Brexit may impact their business and reduce their exposure to potential risks. 

“Of course, while comprehensive, this tool cannot cover every possible Brexit related impact for businesses. But it does provide a lot of useful insight into the core areas exposed to Brexit related change for the majority of businesses and will be continually updated with the latest available information.”

To complete your free Business Brexit Health Check click, visit https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/brexit/

Ms Brealey added: “I’d particularly like to extend my thanks to our GBCC Brexit Advisory group for their support in creating this resource. Their expert guidance has been invaluable.”

The GBCC Brexit Advisory Group is a sounding board of Brexit experts and business representatives who act to inform the GBCC’s Brexit activity. Current members include:

Clare Francis, Partner, Pinsent Masons

Jennifer Crisp, Public Affairs Manager, University of Birmingham

Mark Modena, Director, Winning Moves

Martin Hanson, Regional Director Business Banking, HSBC

Omer Simjee, Partner, Constantine Law

Paul Knobbs, EU and Large Projects Partner, Aston University

Richard Guy, Co-Founder and Joint MD, SimkissGuy Recruitment

Rick Grain, MD, Effigy Blinds

Rachael Badger, Business Development Manager, RSM

Steve Brittan, Business Advisor, BSA Tools Ltd