The UK’s automotive trade association, the SMMT, has launched a ‘Brexit Readiness Programme’ to help the UK auto industry prepare for the UK leaving the EU next year. With less than six months to secure a withdrawal deal and growing concerns of a ‘no-deal’ cliff-edge when the UK leaves the EU next year (30 March), the programme is described as ‘part of ongoing efforts to provide support for small and medium sized (SMEs) member companies at this critical time’.
The SMMT points out that while vehicle manufacturers and larger tier-one suppliers all face the significant challenge of Brexit, the vast majority of the UK’s automotive supply chain companies are SMEs, with 69% employing fewer than 10 people. The SMMT maintains that such firms represent the backbone of the entire sector, yet ‘not all will have the resource to prepare adequately for the dramatic and immediate change to trading conditions between the UK and EU in the event of a no-deal Brexit’.
Go deeper with GlobalData
In this scenario, the SMMT points out there will be new, potentially unfamiliar requirements for businesses. Calculations as to the value and proving the origin of goods will have to be made and there could be delays to the movement of components into and out of the UK which may require warehousing or changes to raw material stocks.
Post-Brexit new customs arrangements will present a particular challenge, not least the increased paperwork and time required to fill in more detailed customs declarations – customs guidance alone on moving goods outside of the EU stretches to some 88 pages. Furthermore, there could be cashflow implications associated with the payment of tariffs and other taxes.
Legal and accounting support for new customs arrangements
Phase one of SMMT’s Brexit Readiness Programme sees five global brands from the legal and accountancy sectors join forces with SMMT to offer expert advice and consultancy services to members, including a free helpline for Brexit issues. These include trade and tax arrangements outside of the EU, customs procedures and adapting to regulation changes from chemicals to data protection, employment law and immigration. The latter is critical given the significant proportion of EU nationals employed by UK suppliers.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe programme is available online: www.smmt.co.uk/member-services/brexit-readiness-programme/
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “A strong local supply chain is the backbone of any manufacturing sector, and ours has thrived thanks to massive reshoring efforts and the ability to trade freely and frictionlessly with the EU. A ‘no-deal’ Brexit could have devastating consequences. With the clock ticking on negotiations, businesses must plan for all eventualities, including the worst. Our new support package seeks to mitigate the threat of ‘no-deal’ by helping businesses navigate the complex trade realities of a post-Brexit landscape.”
SMMT’s Brexit Readiness Programme was launched today at the Society’s Midlands Regional Forum in Derby as part of nationwide engagement to help support businesses of all sizes across the country. Around 200 vehicle manufacturers and supply chain delegates attended the event to network and hear expert speakers from companies, including Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, Applied Components Technology, Cummins Ltd and local enterprise partnership, D2N2 LEP.
