Complexities & Uncertainties Of Windsor Framework Holding Back Trade Says FSB Chair

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Chair Alan Lowry has written a stinging attack on how the post-Brexit Windsor Framework is holding back businesses from trading. The Windsor Framework was supposed to give Northern Ireland the best of both worlds, as it would have a foot in both the EU and UK camps with dual access to their markets, but the reality seems to have been very different.

The FSB has recently published a paper: ‘Windsor Framework Realities: Barriers To Trade In The UK Internal Market’, in which 800 businesses gave their verdict on how things have progressed since the Framework was put into place. The findings do not make for good reading.

Red Tape Causing Major Disruption

Here is what Alan Lowry wrote about the published paper in an article in the Belfast Newsletter :

‘While the Framework was intended to provide the ‘best of both worlds’ — continued access to the EU Single Market while retaining unfettered trade within the UK — the reality for many is of disruption, confusion and frustration.

‘As Chair of FSB NI, I’ve heard countless accounts of red tape causing major disruption.

‘In fact, 58% of respondents trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland report moderate to significant difficulties. Shockingly, over a third (34%) have already stopped trading across the Irish Sea to avoid the mounting compliance burden.

‘Business confidence is waning too. More than half (56%) of affected firms say they are not confident planning for the year ahead.

‘The complexity and uncertainty surrounding the Framework are undermining strategic decision-making at a time when stability is badly needed.

A Squandered Opportunity Around Dual Market Access

‘Perhaps most concerning is the squandered opportunity around dual market access. In theory, Northern Ireland’s ability to trade freely with both the UK and EU could be a huge competitive advantage. But only 14% of small firms understand and are benefiting from it, while a staggering 88% feel the government has failed to communicate this access effectively.

‘Government support is also falling short. 78% rate official assistance as poor or very poor, with 80% struggling to find any help at all. One respondent captured it plainly: “The labelling, paperwork, and rules are consuming time and money I just don’t have.”

‘Another shared how GB suppliers have dropped them entirely, not out of unwillingness but from sheer confusion.

‘These aren’t just isolated complaints — they’re systemic barriers that threaten the viability of small firms across Northern Ireland.

‘Crucially, our report doesn’t just diagnose the problem; it proposes solutions.

‘We’re calling on policymakers to streamline processes, better fund support services, and start actively promoting Northern Ireland’s unique market access — not just in theory, but in practice.’

The FSB do a fine job on behalf of businesses to ensure they have a voice, let’s hope their call will be listened to and action taken upon it.