A NEW enhanced Brexit service has been launched to help businesses operating in Lancashire become Brexit compliant.

It is designed to offer a comprehensive information and advisory service to businesses involved in importing and exporting, including workshops, training courses and one-to-one Brexit audits specific to each business.

The service is delivered by the East Lancashire Lancashire Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub

Chamber chief executive Miranda Barker said: “With so little time to absorb the fine print produced at the eleventh hour many companies will have seen their preparations hampered by dealing with the immediate threat of the coronavirus pandemic.

“There are many businesses who don’t know where to turn to for help and are unsure of what exactly they need to do to be Brexit compliant.

“Some unfortunately have under-estimated just how much there still to do to prepare.”

The programme has been designed to give businesses the actions they need to take with a fully qualified expert including customs rules and regulations, tariffs and duties, VAT procedure changes and supply chain implications.

The service is free and funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Meanwhile, Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub and is led by the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and Lancashire County Council and supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

Boost programme manager Andrew Leeming said: “Brexit will be a challenge for many companies; from managing and maintaining their EU customers and supply chain to developing new trading partners and exploring new opportunities. This is why we have partnered with East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce to ensure every business needing help takes the steps to make sure they’re fully compliant.

“We’ll support them every step of the way and help them understand exactly what they need to do in order to avoid any disruption to their business.”

Businesses interested in receiving this service should in the first instance contact Mandy Lockett, International Business Director at the Chamber on 01254 356451 or by email at m.lockett@chamberelancs.co.uk