South: Exporters’ tax fears highlighted in post-Brexit survey

A survey by the Institute of Export (IOE), based on responses from over 600 participants from 180 sectors, revealed that almost half fear added costs through duties or taxes as the biggest post-Brexit risk, though nearly half say continued access to the EU single market for goods and services is the most important issue.

Other significant fears are that customers and suppliers might have a negative view of the UK (19%) and that there will be exchange-rate issues (18%).

Further results show that nearly 54% of those surveyed expect their business growth to remain the same, though almost 47% envisage growth shrinking in the medium term, and over 42% forecast a long-term growth decline.

Almost 47% of recipients say the current UK and EU customs procedures are suitable for UK traders. When asked what changes and developments they required in their respective business sectors, responses spanned free movement of goods between countries, financial support for new and established exporters, and clear information about regulations.

When asked how UK export controls and licensing procedures could be made more user-friendly for their businesses, most said they were content with the current system and hoped the arrangements could remain on an EU-wide basis. There were, however, calls to streamline the UK's system, including a need for either IT enhancements or additional support to make license application faster and more efficient. The need for help in navigating procedures was also voiced.

On transit and security arrangements, the importance of any deal negotiated with the EU not having clauses that could delay shipments was also expressed. If the Government failed to achieve this, the feeling is that it must proactively prevent UK exporters losing out by committing extra resources to lessen the impact of the new rules and to speed up the process.

There was a noticeable difference between the needs of SMEs and larger organisations when it came to the support they required. SMEs find it harder to access the resources needed to deal with the unavoidable administrative processes necessary to international trade. It is thus the SMEs, who are the life-blood of UK business, who will feel the hardest impact of any increased financial or administrative burden imposed on the UK as a result of negotiations with the EU.

In the medium term, almost 88% saw resolving the UK's trade relationship with the EU as a priority and that this should be dealt with before trying to enter into any new agreements with other nations or trading blocs.

Thereafter, free-trade agreements with USA (77%), Canada (62%), China (61%), Australia (57%) and India (51%) were seen as important medium-term objectives.

When asked the same questions about the longer-term perspective, India came out on top (61%) followed by Australia (56%), China (52%), Canada (48%), USA (44%) and the EU (42%).

Lesley Batchelor OBE, IOE director general, said: "The results of the survey will inform and influence government and civil servants, and we urge businesses to harness trade associations and business groups to continue to make their voice heard. Tell them what you need to ensure that you can compete effectively in the global market, and let them know which regulations are stopping you from doing it properly or are impeding your company's growth.

"While our relationship with the EU won't change overnight – and Brexit could now be delayed until 2019 – there is no time to waste, as fallout from the vote won't wait for us to invoke Article 50. For example, many EU clients have profound fears and will need reassuring, while a number of other immediate uncertainties, such as short-term currency fluctuations, could bring benefits or extra costs. It is vital that businesses are aware of all this so they can resolve problems quickly and capitalise on opportunities.