Originally written by Timothy Adler on Small Business
UPDATED: Small business owners are relieved that the Brexit deal has finally been agreed, as it means certainty going forward.
Although on Friday afternoon, the 1,246-page legal text of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement deal had not been released, it does include a Small Business Chapter.
Mike Cherry, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The work of looking through the detail of the agreement to map out exactly what it means for the small firms that make-up 99 per cent of our business community now begins.
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“As well as going through the terms of access to each other’s markets, we are keen to see the Small Business Chapter that we have championed and encouraged both sides to include.”
Mr Cherry repeated his call for £3,000 transition vouchers that small business owners can spend on training and advice to navigate a new trading relationship with the European Union. This would be similar to schemes in Ireland and in the Netherlands.
Jonathan Geldart, director general of the Institute of Directors, agreed.
“Wherever possible, changes should be phased in,” Mr Geldart said. “Financial support for SMEs, such