Friday 1 January 2021 will bring the end of the Brexit transition period and big changes for business in the UK. To help Sandwell companies prepare, Think Sandwell has put together a Business Toolkit page with links to sources of help and information, including a number of free webinars and workshops running throughout November and December.

The events are the result of a partnership between the West Midlands Combined Authority and local Chambers of Commerce, with the aim of helping businesses in the region get ready for the end of the transition period.

The next of these is a two-hour webinar on Tuesday 3 November with Emma Johnson, a partner at historic intellectual property firm Forresters. Emma will provide expert help to guide you through the new legislation in relation to intellectual property rights, and help make sure your business isn’t left vulnerable after 31 December.

If you employ EEA nationals, then changes to the right of freedom of movement may have practical implications for your workforce. On Thursday 12 November, Amy Brokenshire, a specialist in employment and business immigration law from Higgs & Sons Solicitors, will deliver a two-hour webinar to outline the steps employers can take now to ensure a smooth transition.

For anyone working in international trade, an online workshop is being held on Wednesday 17 November to help you understand the new rules around imports and exports, set out in the recently published ‘Incoterms 2020’ agreement. There are a limited number of places available for this morning event, so register as soon as possible.

For more links to other sources of Brexit-related information and support, visit our Business Toolkit page or contact the Think Sandwell team with your questions and concerns. Don’t let the end of the transition period take you and your business by surprise.