The government has launched a Brexit support fund worth £20 million for small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to be administered through the Customs Grant Scheme. Open to those who only trade with the EU, businesses can now apply for grants of up to £2000 which are helping to pay for practical support (including training and professional advice) as a way to ensure that businesses can continue to trade effectively to and from Europe and which are hoped to make a significant difference. Import controls are expected to come into force from April and July. The scheme opens for applications from next month, March 2021.
