We have a deal - but what next?

Amid a busy festive period with the imposition of stricter lockdown measures and the approval of the latest Covid-19 vaccine was the news that a Brexit deal had been agreed. The deal, which was agreed on Christmas Eve, marked some form of conclusion to the Brexit process which has been ongoing since the EU Referendum in 2016.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims the UK now has the ability to do things "differently and better". Whilst freight traffic appears to be flowing well, there is undoubtedly a reduction in the traffic levels following Christmas and Brexit stockpiling. As such, the real impact of Brexit and the associated anticipated disruption is expected to arise in the coming days and weeks as businesses revert back to some sort of normal and come to terms with the changes.

That a deal was agreed, albeit at the eleventh hour, provides relief to many as it avoids the disruption that a no deal Brexit would cause. Under the deal, UK manufacturers will have tariff-free access to the EU's internal market, meaning that there will be no import taxes on goods crossing between the UK and the EU. However, there are significant changes guaranteed, including more paperwork for businesses, checks at borders, travel restrictions and different immigration requirements. There is, therefore, likely to be teething problems ahead and preparing for what comes next remains challenging.

The existence of a deal enables businesses to make plans with confidence and the Commercial team at Forbes, who continue to stay up to date with Brexit developments and the impact of the deal, are on hand to help you and your business navigate the waters ahead.