I booked a free, one-to-one, Brexit advice session for my small business through Haringey Council’s Business Brexit Advice Service, when I saw it advertised in this newsletter. I found the session really useful and came away with some valuable, practical advice.
I’m the Chief Writing Officer, a management consultant and strategic communications advisor, supplying consultancy services to national, European and international clients. I’m also a Haringey-based small business. I live and work in Wood Green, N22, with an office base at Blue House Yard.
Most of the press coverage about the effects of Brexit has focused on the trading of physical goods in and out of the UK, but I export services which I knew might also be a problem area. I had already tried to find out more myself, but was having trouble getting any real, nitty-gritty information.
In my 30-minute Brexit advice session, held on Zoom, I spoke to a friendly and knowledgeable advisor from ReslienceHelp, Sietske de Groot, an expert on EU trade law and regulations and experienced in working with small businesses. Sietske had done some prior research using background about my business I had supplied and she was able to give clear guidance and help on some very practical questions about contracts and payments. I came away from the session with a better sense of what I need to do next to deal with potential problems before they arise. After the session Sietske sent an email summarising the advice and sharing some useful links she had pointed me to.
I’ve never been a fan of Brexit, but it’s here now and I want to keep exporting my services. This session helped me understand the risks and opportunities for my business be