Trader Support Service For Northern Ireland

In the last 24 hours the new Trader Support Service has gone live. This service has been created by the government to help businesses in Northern Ireland by providing education and guidance for traders moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

A Free To Use Digital Service

This free-to-use digital service will aid businesses and traders of all sizes to navigate the changes to the way goods move once the Northern Ireland Protocol comes into effect on 1 January 2021. The government is urging businesses here to sign up to the services ASAP as there are now less than 100 days to the end of the Brexit transition period.

Trader Support Service Details

The Gov.UK website gives details of the service, saying that it will:

“-Provide a free end-to-end support package to manage import and safety and security declarations on behalf of traders.
-Educate businesses on what the protocol means for them, and the steps they need to take to comply with it. This will include online training sessions and webinars, with information being continually updated as we move closer to 1 January 2021
-Be available to businesses moving goods into Northern Ireland under new processes in the Northern Ireland Protocol that start from 1 January 2020″

In the same post the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Michael Gove MP, is quoted as saying:

“The new free-to-use Trader Support Service, launching today, will provide crucial support and guidance to businesses moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“Backed by up to £200 million of UK government funding, it reflects our deep commitment to support the Northern Ireland economy and protect the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.

“With little over 3 months to go until the end of the transition period, it is vital that traders sign up and take advantage of the scheme, so that they can continue to trade seamlessly and seize new opportunities on 1 January 2021.”

The Importance Of Being Ready For The Transition

I am sure we don`t need to remind all businesses in Northern Ireland of the importance of being prepared for January 1st when the transition is complete. There is no doubt that this is going to be a challenging period for us all and so any help along the way should be seized upon.

And speaking of help, if you have a business that needs some guidance on any accountancy or financial issues that you encounter, or you would like to partner with us so we can help the smooth running of your business in both the short term and the long term, then please get in touch with WHR Accountants at the earliest opportunity by ringing 028 3752 2909.