Trade hub post-brexit rules

In response to complaints of increased costs and confusion of post-Brexit trading rules, the British Beauty Council have created a new trading hub, to support personal care businesses as they navigate their way through the jargon. The British Beauty Council reported that many businesses in the industry are confused by the new Brexit rules and feel anxious about rising costs as they try to recover from the pandemic. Some businesses have reported that logistics costs for raw materials and products have doubled, while some courier and delivery costs have trebled. Two years ago, ‘Brexit day’ marked the end of the UK’s membership in the European Union and the start of a “transition period” that was completed at the end of last year. Since 1 January 2022, new rules have been in place for businesses moving goods between Britain and Europe. Victoria Brownlie, chief policy officer at The British Beauty Council, says: "Business owners must be able to navigate their way through the latest rules to remain operational and successful. We have taken this on board and aim to help them make a success by sharing information, cutting through the jargon and keeping them up-to-date with ongoing changes and requirements." The new online trade hub initially aims to cut through the maze of post-Brexit rules with easy-to-find guides on exporting and importing goods, together with all you need to know about new VAT rules. It will also host videos, details on relevant support funds and news on the latest developments. The hub will evolve to include information on trading with the US and Asia. Victoria adds: "We have created the hub to help businesses navigate through the process of trading overseas, whether this is the start of their journey or one that they are already on, but experiencing bumps in the road.” The changes apply to all European trade, whether firms buy or sell goods once a year or every day, and no matter what type, volume or value – so all businesses need to be prepared. Yet a recent survey by the Federation of Small Businesses found that only one in four SMEs, which will be impacted by the new rules, are ready. A third said that they were unaware of their new requirements. The UK’s beauty industry employs more than 600,000 people, of which more than 80% are women. At £30bn, the beauty industry contributes more to the UK economy than pubs, which contribute £23bn a year.