Since the UK’s exit from the EU on 1 January 2021, tax and custom rules for businesses that trade goods or services across EU borders have changed.
Eligibility
As the SME grant is for small and medium size businesses, only businesses that have up to 500 employees and have no more than £100m turnover are eligible for the grant. However, there are additional conditions that businesses must have:
- Imported or exported between Great Britain and the EU or Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
- Been established for at least 12 months or hold authorised economic operator status.
- Completed, or intend to complete import or export declarations internally. Or alternatively, use the grant to use someone else to assist with the process.
- Met tax and customs obligations.
If you meet all the requirements above, you are eligible for the grant, applications close 30 June. However, businesses should apply immediately, as the grant will close early once all of the funding is allocated.
The grants purpose
The grants purpose is to be used for training on:
- using customs software
- completing customs declarations
- managing customers processes
- import and export aspects including VAT, excise and rules of origin.
Eligible businesses may also use the grant on professional advice for customs, excise, import VAT or safety and security declaration requirements.
Contrary to grant applications usually being handled by HMRC, this grant will be administered by PwC. A continuation of the government drafting in Big Four firms to support on their coronavirus response.
The next step
To apply for the scheme, please click here.
For more information, get in touch with Michelle Dale at m.dale@uhy-uk.com or via 0161 236 6936.
