Companies of all sizes across Falkirk district are being offered support to prepare for Brexit.
The Scottish Government has launched an online tool to help businesses identify how they could be affected when the UK leaves the EU and direct them to appropriate support from Scotland’s enterprise and skills agencies.
The self-assessment tool at www.prepareforbrexit.scot is aimed at all companies, whether or not they export and regardless of their size or sector.
Brexit Secretary Michael Russell, who launched the service last week, warned that with fewer than five months remaining before the UK is due to leave the EU, only a third of Scottish companies are proactively planning for Brexit.
Falkirk West MSP Michael Matheson is encouraging local businesses to use the online tool. He said: “Given the ongoing uncertainty around Brexit, it’s perhaps not surprising that most companies don’t know how best to prepare for the fallout.
“Leaving the EU poses huge risks for our economy – and while most local business owners, along with most Scots, would prefer to remain in the EU, it’s important that we plan ahead and do what we can to mitigate the potential impact.
“The online self-assessment takes about 20 minutes to complete and will help direct local businesses big and small to resources, advice and services to help them plan for the challenges ahead.”
Mr Russell added: “We want to help every business in Scotland prepare as much as is possible, even though the UK Government still cannot tell us whether there is going to be an agreement on the terms of withdrawal, let alone offer any clarity on the future trading relationship.
“The practical advice and support being offered by the Scottish Government, through our enterprise agencies, will help businesses safeguard, as much as they can in these circumstances, their own growth and that of the Scottish economy.”
The Prepare for Brexit website also offers details of upcoming events. These include two free sessions by Scottish Enterprise at Falkirk Stadium – a one-day export bootcamp on November 28 and a workshop on March 13 next year on how to tap into e-marketplaces.
