A new report by Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland (FSB NI) has set out the results of a survey of nearly 800 small businesses across the UK. It reveals that over half of the respondents (58%) who trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland have experienced moderate or significant difficulties operating across the UK Internal Market (UKIM).
Windsor Framework Realities: Barriers to Trade in the UK Internal Market, which can be found HERE, argues that ongoing regulatory changes have undermined business planning. Over a third (34%) have already ceased trade rather than deal with new compliance demands.
The FSB NI highlights that just 14% of businesses in Northern Ireland understand and benefit from having access to both UK and EU markets, while 88% say that the Government has failed to communicate the changes effectively.
FSB NI Chairman, Alan Lowry, said: “The Windsor Framework was meant to offer opportunity — but, for many, it has delivered confusion, constraint and cost. This report is a clear call to action. Policymakers must simplify processes, improve communication and ensure support is accessible.”
Although support services have been put in place, the report found that more than three-quarters (78%) of respondents rate them as poor or very poor, and 80% said that they found it difficult to access help.
The findings of the report have been supported by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) as it claims that they reflect the experience of many of its members who have expressed “long-held concerns” with regard to the Trader Support Service (TSS) and complain of a lack of communication from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officials on the ground.
The RHA calls for clearer communication in plain English, live support and up-to-date information.
