Wirral Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Wirral Council to launch the Hub, a forum providing businesses with a one stop for advice and a steer on the possible Brexit scenarios. Tony McDonough reports

With confusion still reigning over when, how, and even if, the UK will depart the European Union businesses in Wirral now have a go-to resource where they can at least get some guidance.

Wirral Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Wirral Council to launch The Brexit Hub, a forum providing local businesses with a one stop for advice and a steer on the possible scenarios and how they could impact on local companies.

The possible Brexit exit date has now been extended to April 12 from the original deadline of March 29 and that could change again depending on what happens over the next couple of weeks – creating a well of uncertainty for businesses.

Wirral Chamber has taken note of the views from its membership and shares these concerns in strongly believing there is a need to focus on the practicalities of Brexit for business communities not only for Wirral, but throughout the UK.

Dedicated team

The Wirral Brexit Hub will comprise a dedicated team with in both policy and international trade, and will provide businesses with key advice and guidance on all matters concerning Brexit through independent resources provided by the British Chambers of Commerce.

With Brexit set to be one of the biggest generational economic change, it is important that the Chamber will be a conduit for the latest updates, and enable businesses to share both their experience and best practice.

The Hub will be hosting monthly briefings with key businesses and local authorities in developing a Wirral-wide Brexit Strategy to help sustain Wirral’s healthy economy, secure opportunities for Wirral post-Brexit and protect and prepare businesses for potential implications that may arise. 

Serious concerns

Over recent months a number of business sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and the automotive industry are reporting serious concerns, with several investment plans already put on hold, and issues raised about the future of supply chain and cash flows. 

The Hub will be led through Chamber chief executive, Paula Basnett and its head of public affairs, Warren Ward. Ms Basnett said, “As the exit draws close from the EU there is still great concerns from the business community about the lack of information and the impact that follows, such as trading arrangements and the effect if the country’s GDP and its economic growth.”

You can email the Hub team at WirralBrexitHub@WirralChamber.Co.Uk