26 March 2021

Brexit support fund now open

The SME Brexit Support Fund is now open for applications via an online application process. The fund has been set up by Government to help smaller businesses with changes to trade rules with the EU.

The Fund is not only open to SMEs, but to businesses with up to 500 employees and up to £100m turnover.

You can apply for up to £2000 for help with training and professional advice on EU trading matters. There are two types of help:

Grant for Training

These grants can be used to provide training on:

• How to complete customs declarations
• How to manage customs processes and use customs software and systems
• Specific import and export related aspects including VAT, excise and rules of origin.

Grant for Professional Advice

These grants can be used to get professional advice, so your business can meet its customs, excise, import VAT or safety and security declaration requirements.

The complete qualifying criteria for the fund are that you must:

• Have been established in the UK for at least 12 months before submitting the application, or currently hold Authorised Economic Operator status
• Not have previously failed to meet its tax or customs obligations
• Have no more than 500 employees
• Have no more than £100 million turnover
• Import or export goods between Great Britain and the EU, or moves goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The grants are being administered by PWC and the application window closes on 30 June. But be quick, as the window will close sooner if the available funds run out!

Go to https://www.customsintermediarygrant.co.uk/sme-brexit-support-fund to apply.