T
he UK’s New Start begins on 1 January 2021, a date indicating that the transition period has ended and the UK has left the single market and customs union, following the country’s departure from the European Union (EU).
It signals a fresh chapter of new opportunities, but British businesses must be prepared. A variety of rules are coming into effect and there are measures that need to be taken by UK companies who trade with the EU, before the transition period finishes on 31 December 2020.
Many businesses have already completed their plans using multiple resources. Here two business owners share their experiences…
Amanda Thomson, founder and CEO, Thomson & Scott winemakers
Her acclaimed alcohol-free sparkling chardonnay has just hit the shelves of Waitrose, and wine entrepreneur Amanda Thomson, above, isn’t taking any chances as the UK heads into the new era.
When the UK transition period ends on 31 December 2020, British wine brand Thomson & Scott will be ready. “I feel as confident as I could be with our preparations,” says Thomson. “The Department for International Trade has been brilliant at helping me wade through the paperwork.”
With flagship products organic prosecco and alcohol-free sparkling chardonnay, Thomson & Scott works with producers in France, Germany and Italy, and has been careful to import extra stock into the UK in advance to offset potential teething troubles. “We can’t have breaks in supply chains – I don’t want any gaps on supermarket shelves.”
She’s also spoken to trademark lawyers to ensure imports from the EU will comply with the UK’s trademark legislation and labelling requirements.
We made a decision to fast-track the launch of Noughty – it’s a way of futureproofing the business
Meanwhile, Thomson is maintaining strong working relationships with European partners: “We’ve put in so much time building bonds and we want to ensure everything continues to run smoothly.”
As younger drinkers seek healthier options, she hopes her new vegan alcohol-free brand, Noughty, will take off. It makes paperwork easier too.
“We made a decision to fast-track the launch of Noughty to mitigate business risk – we knew it could pass borders without complicated layers of alcohol legislation – it’s a way of futureproofing the business.”
Jill Henry, owner, Meander Apparel
This article is part of a paid-for Partnership with the UK Government
