Glasgow Chamber of Commerce — Brexit stats


Our team has been working to help answer Brexit questions


Glasgow Chamber of Commerce


deals. And we also can’t be sure what the EU position will be on some of the issues.” Even non-EU trading isn’t


necessarily straightforward, as many of these arrangements are currently struck on behalf of the UK by Brussels. This is where the Chamber’s Brexit checklist can help with planning. Stuart’s advice to Scottish


companies is blunt but practical. “In those areas where we don’t know what the situation is, assume the worst case.


“If that has real implications for


you, then you will need to consider what decisions you need to make about locating your activities, cementing partnerships or ensuring that you have some kind of deal to allow you access into EU countries.”


Many larger companies, he adds,


have already planned on this basis. “I’m hugely sympathetic to smaller companies that are wondering where to start. They do need to go through the Brexit checklist and see if there are things they need to take advice on.” Not everything may be clear even


after Brexit day on 31 October. Stuart says: “I know some


companies in Glasgow are asking themselves if they need to start production within these markets, or at least work with partners there. “Even if Glasgow Chamber of


Commerce cannot help directly with enquiries, it can signpost businesses towards other organisations that may be able to help. We will try our hardest to find the people to answer the questions for you.”


1,200 3


members in 374 Strategic Partners Platinum Partners Gold Partners


15 19 8


staff working with members in international trade development and certification


Skills for businesses


Another big concern for Scottish business is the recruitment and retention of staff who are nationals of EU countries. There are worries that the ending of freedom of movement could lead to burdensome restrictions impacting on people. “We do have a bit more clarity about what the UK’s position is on this,” says Stuart Patrick. “People who are EU nationals here can apply for settled status, and we have to treat that as a positive thing.” However, there are also some


Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive chiefexecutive@glasgow chamberofcommerce.com


potential downsides. If you are a Scottish company that crosses borders, then until now you have been able to easily transfer staff into Europe. That may not be as straightforward in the future. Also, the UK’s so-called hostile


environment for immigrants may dissuade staff from the EU coming here to work, and there may be issues around them bringing their families here. “If you look at the population increase in Glasgow over the last 10 years or so, it’s largely due to immigration, and a big chunk of that is from the EU. But we still want people from Europe to come and work here. “At the end of the day, people in the city and in Scotland have shown a very positive attitude towards our European colleagues. We really want to see more of them. Glasgow is still very much sending out a message of welcome.” See page 10 for more on skills support for your business


active exporters applying for documents


processed this year


14,000 Around


More than documents 250 calls taken


regarding Brexit questions / general enquiries in the last 9 months


www.glasgowchamberofcommerce.com 3


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