Change is coming, and we need to be prepared, says Norfolk Chamber CEO

To say things have been moving quickly, and unpredictably, of late is something of an understatement. The unprecedented Brexit predicament will probably have changed, again, by the time you’re reading this.

The one thing that we can be sure of is that change is coming. If businesses are going to be ready for it they need to prepare for any and all of the potential outcomes. We know, from research carried out by The Chamber, that a lot of businesses have taken a ‘wait and see’ approach. On the one hand commendably cautious it is, on the other, dangerously close to brinkmanship. Because there is a lot to consider.

Take a look at the British Chambers of Commerce Brexit Checklist. You’ll see it covers subjects like Workforce and future skills needs’, ‘Future staffing requirements’ and ‘Potential delays at UK/EU border’. There’s the ‘Tariffs on UK- EU trade’ too, as well as ‘Customs and export training’. It’s a really useful tool, but it also serves to underline the need to be ready, whatever happens. Because there are a lot of issues.

My role, and indeed The Chamber’s, is not a political one. It is though very much a pro-business one and in that spirit I have to acknowledge that another piece of work by the BCC shows that the Government has still not addressed all of those issues. The BCC Risk Register is well worth a look. Again, it’s a useful business resource but it’s also a very good checklist of issues that businesses need to be considering.

Whatever shape Brexit takes we’ll need to be prepared for its impact. Our event - ‘Our Region; Post Brexit’ in Great Yarmouth Town Hall on January 30th 2019 will be an excellent opportunity to examine the situation, take part in workshops and get fully updated. We’ll be making full use of what we learn too, ensuring the we share the information with West Norfolk.

We must be positive and look for the opportunities that will come as a result of this change. To ensure that we maximise those opportunities demands that we get ourselves ready. For anything.