#Brexit - the transition period ends in just over 3 months hence businesses should be planning in detail for all eventualities but I fear there is lethargy because of 2019 and #Covid

Consequences of getting end of transition wrong is bad for individual organisations and the wider economy (remember in view of economists no new FTA can compensate for loss of single market membership)

FTA (if it arrives after a Johnson compromise) will cushion the sudden blow for agriculture and manufacturing especially cars - without FTA noise may be politically unmanageable for Conservatives especially as Mid-Winter is not looking positive in terms of #coronavirusuk

Services sector sadly just seems to be forgotten in all the dialogue and a likely casualty of this weeks politics It seemed British Government saw needs of UK financial, creative and professional services as key negotiation matter In frosty discussion little chance of success

Hence all UK service companies which export to EEA should be pondering what exiting single market means to them - a few thoughts that should be being asked every day certainly in professional/regulated services

Can the company operate in EU/EEA/CH outside single market - storage of data and ability to share cross border key but also will regulatory environment allow non single market participation

Will EU recognise professional qualifications post #Brexit

What will the EU/EEA travel requirements be eg visas for working verses attending a business meeting AND is there one visa or 31 different rules

Are there permanent establishment tax risks if work in EEA country post #Brexit

Can existing sales contracts be delivered post transition or do they need renegotiating as they are based on assumption of single market membership

Any any key European suppliers or subcontractors where tariffs/border delays would hurt UK operations.

Do you need to stockpile or bring expenditure forward to avoid tariffs or border delays - can your business afford the cash flow in a #Covid19UK environment

What is the consequence for financial viability from potentially reduced EU trade - can it be replaced or do you need to announce restructure pre Christmas

Consider retention strategy for EU staff & support/encourage application for settled status

Do you rely on any EU based staff - can they work in UK post January 2021 Can you replace their skills

Are controls in place for new immigration system - rules for Irish and non Irish citizens different

Arguably this should have all been planned last year but I know many business have assumed there would be friendly association agreement not thin FTA in the end as anything else in their view insane

But Government preparation media all been positive so why worry

Messaging needs to become “protect your business from loss of revenue/profit” from UK leaving EU otherwise you might encounter continuity challenges

Question is are Gove/Johnson/Frost/Cummings brave enough time admit the economic cost of leaving EEA by saying exit requires retrenching and refocus by business please protect for long term survival

Suspect answer is no which means economic turbulence coming in first quarter next year - Covid plus uncontrolled #Brexit (acrimonious no deal) and all options on table in terms of politics/economy

The end