'Brexit Readiness Test' launched to help businesses plan

Thursday 28 March 2019

A change management and project management specialist consultancy has created a 'Brexit Readiness Test.'

Marbral Advisory's test covers areas such as workforce, employment rights, travel and transport as well as customs and trade.

Natasha Egre, the Head of Client and Product Development at Marbral, explained the test was created following feedback from their consultants.

"They work with businesses across industry sectors and therefore act as a barometer for the local business climate. It became clear that there was some understandable confusion and therefore a lack of Brexit planning by local businesses," she explained.

"We’ve also had enquiries from our clients asking us to assist them in their planning, strategy and business change processes in light of potential Brexit outcomes, so we know the requirement is there.

"We spoke to a number of associations in the Island, The feedback concluded that businesses heavily reliant on imports and exports have been working with professional bodies and planning for some time but outside that group there was a hesitance to plan and take action."

Pictured: Natasha Egre.

The test was developed after talks with trade bodies and organisations. The Government of Jersey’s Brexit Checklist, which is available online, was also used.

 Ms Egre added: "I think we have encouraged companies to think about aspects that they may not have yet considered, such as contract law, becoming a Customs Approved Trader and travel contingency plans.

"From the responses returned so far, we can ascertain that on average local businesses are falling somewhere in the middle ground where they have started some preparations but have yet to tackle some areas such as IP Protection, potential new tariffs and currency volatility. We were surprised at the amount of companies who don’t appear to have empowered someone in their business to take charge of planning effectively for all eventualities of Brexit."