The Furniture Industry Research Association has published a Brexit guide entitled ‘Brexit – the importance of planning ahead’. Whilst the information is applicable to all across the furniture sector, it may be of particular use to small/medium enterprises that may not have resources to secure key information independently.

 The guide is an updated version and an amalgamation of various updates which were published on the FIRA website following the Furniture Industry Research Association’s attendance at Government’s Business Readiness Panel meetings.

 Author of the guide, Suzie Radcliffe-Hart, technical manager at FIRA International (the service provider to the Furniture Industry Research Association) says: “The aim of the updated guide is to ensure all the latest information is easily accessible and searchable within one source, helping members find what they based on the needs of their role or type of business.

 “Due to the current political climate Brexit discussions have stalled. It’s difficult to guestimate what guise Brexit will take when a new Prime Minister is in place and talks resume. When Government meetings are reinstated we will once again be in attendance to garner details for members to ensure they are being supported through knowledge in the event of a deal or no-deal Brexit.”

 Sections within the guide include step-by-step guides to importing and exporting, what to expect on day one of a no-deal scenario, apprenticeships, an employer toolkit, temporary rates of customs duty on imports after EU Exit, preparing for a no deal EU Exit: Importing, exporting and transporting products or goods after Brexit, trading goods regulated under the New Approach framework, trading timber- imports and exports if there’s no Brexit deal and also regulating chemicals (REACH) if there’s no Brexit deal.

The 64-page guide is freely available to all members of the Furniture Industry Research Association via www.fira.co.uk/brexitguide