Oxfordshire small businesses encouraged to apply for Brexit support funding before 30 June deadline

With two weeks to go before the deadlinesmall and medium sized businesses in Oxfordshire are being encouraged to apply for funding to help them adapt to new customs and tax rules when trading with the European Union.

The £20m Brexit Support Fundwhich closes 30 Juneenables businesses who trade with the EU to access up to £2000 of funding for practical support including training and professional advice on new customs rules of origin and VAT processes.

Since launching in Marchmore than 12000 businesses across the UK have registered for the fund. In the South East449 businesses have submitted applicationswith a total of £657271 in funding applied for so far.

Katherine Green and Sophie Dean Directors General Borders and Trade HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) said: “Smaller businesses who trade with the EU have a vital role in our economy and we understand they may have experienced a more challenging time than larger businesses in adapting to changes.

“We would encourage small and medium businesses impacted by new importing and exporting rules to apply for funding today.”

To be eligible for the grantbusinesses must have no more than 500 employees and turnover no more than £100m. They must only import or export goods between Great Britain and the EU or move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

If businesses already import or export goods to and from a non-EU countrythey are not eligible.

Find out more information on the Fund

Access OxLEP’s Brexit support page