Responding to the UK and EU's summit conclusions, Tina
McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small
Businesses, said:
“This agreement marks genuine progress by untangling the rules
for small exporters of plant and animal products. If British
goods can reach European markets with fewer setbacks, that marks
real progress.
“For too long, small businesses have shouldered the burden of
unpredictable custom rules and red tape that sap confidence and
ambition.
“Today's agreement brings us a step closer to reducing the
burdens for SMEs by clearing the bottleneck at the border,
trading fresh produce and more efficient supply chains.
“We also welcome conversations on business mobility and the
mutual recognition of qualifications across borders, and hope
that small firms are given a seat at the table as plans take
shape.
“Of course, this deal does not solve every challenge overnight,
but it sets a very welcome new tone.
“International trade is so valuable – firms selling to overseas
markets grow faster and are more likely to weather tough times.
“It is therefore vital that the spirit of this progress is not
allowed to unravel.
“The task is to make sure the details work for small firms on the
ground, from a bakery in Belfast to a cheese maker in Cheddleton.
With ambition and common sense, we can move from stalemate to
success.”
Ben Cottam, Head of Wales at the Federation of Small
Businesses, said:
“As Wales's most important trading partner, FSB welcomes the
announced easing of trade barriers between the UK and the EU.
“In particular, simplifying exports for Welsh food and drink SMEs
provides a vital injection of confidence and certainty for these
key businesses, enabling them to unlock new opportunities for
growth and innovation in the EU market.
“There is a role now for Wales's business support organisations
to proactively engage with businesses to provide comprehensive
guidance on what the deal means for them and how they can
capitalise on the benefits of this improved trading environment."
