CHANGE IS COMING IN LESS THAN 100 DAYS ...

CHANGE IS COMING IN LESS THAN 100 DAYS…

BREXIT BACK IN FOCUS FOR KILKENNY’s SMALL BUSINESSES


After what has been an already challenging year for companies, small businesses are being urged to refocus their minds on Brexit ahead of the December 31st deadline. Irrespective of what happens in talks between the UK and the EU before the end of year cut off, the transition period expires and that will change Ireland’s trading position with the UK. This means any business who exports or imports with or through the UK will be affected and will have to change their processes.


Kilkenny County Council’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is calling on all small businesses to check their Brexit readiness and if in doubt, to reach out. As part of its suite of Brexit preparedness services, the LEO is running its ‘Prepare Your Business for Customs’ workshop, which is open to all small businesses. Two courses are scheduled to take place on October 7th and November 16th and bookings can be made online via www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny. The programme will prepare businesses for both trade outcomes, i.e. if the UK leaves with a trade agreement or if it leaves without one, ensuring companies are best prepared for both scenarios.


A Brexit supports webinar is scheduled for October 2nd with expert one-to-one Brexit Advisory clinics taking place on October 7th and November 11th, also open for booking via www.localenterprise/kilkenny. Businesses are reminded that at any stage they can avail of expert one-to-one mentoring to address their specific Brexit needs through our one-to mentoring programme.


In launching the LEOs Autumn Brexit schedule, Fiona Deegan, Head of Enterprise said “Businesses cannot ignore Brexit just because it has been a particularly difficult year to date. Small businesses should not avoid their preparation for this, because the effects may be critical for them. The good news is that you have the time to ensure you are ready. The new phase of Customs Workshops is rolling out across the country and if you are trading in, out or through the United Kingdom you need to ensure you complete one of these workshops”.


“Businesses should not stop there though. While Brexit can be viewed as a threat, it is also an opportunity for a savvy business owners. LEO supports such as Lean for Micro and the Technical Assistance for Micro Exporting (TAME) grant, give small businesses the chance to maximise their potential and also see what new markets can be exploited to increase revenue streams outside of the United Kingdom. Our Autumn training programme also includes an Advanced Management Development programme, which will run over a 10-week period towards year end and will afford participants a chance to focus on their business needs over this difficult period”.


“The bottom line is to get in touch with us by phone on (056) 7752662 or email info@leo.kilkennycoco.ie . Our one-to-one mentoring can ensure that you are best prepared for what is coming down the tracks. So, if in doubt, reach out.”


Full details of all LEO assistance in relation to Brexit can be found on www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny.