£200 million Trader Support Service is a vital lifeline for NI businesses
Following a campaign by Logistics UK, (formally FTA), the UK government has today, (7th August 2020), announced a £200m support package which will help Northern Ireland adjust to post-Brexit trading procedures.
Logistics UK has said that new systems must be trialled and implemented “urgently” to provide the industry with confidence.
Seamus Leheny, policy manager for Northern Ireland at Logistics UK said: “For some time, we have been urging the government to provide financial and administrative support to Northern Ireland businesses to help them adjust to the complex new trading procedures they will face with a post-EU exit.”
The support package is welcomed as Leheny explains that “the cost of implementing or enforcing new border arrangements should not fall onto business or logistics providers.”
He continues: “A solution for the transit of Northern Ireland goods via Dublin Port to and from Great Britain is critical, and an agreement for market access to the island of Ireland must be prioritised.”
Logistics UK has urged its members to continue their Brexit preparations, to ensure the protection of Great Britain and Northern Ireland supply chains.