Humphreys urges businesses to put in place Brexit plan

With the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union just 58 days away, the Minister advised companies that have yet to engage with the Government’s Brexit supports to do so.

"What I would say to businesses is, if you haven’t engaged with the supports that are out there appoint somebody in your company, identify the risks relating to Brexit, and get help," Minister Humphreys said.

"There is loads of help out there and Government is here to help businesses through what is going to be a difficult time, but never-the-less we are resilient and we will get through this."

The Minister added that there are "a lot" of supports for firms through Enterprise Ireland, InterTrade Ireland, and the local enterprise offices.

"The Government is here to help, we have a €300m Brexit working capital loan facility for companies that need cash flow, and we have a long-term loan facility for capital expenditure that’s also available in March."

Minister Humphreys added that customs training was being rolled out across the local enterprise offices.

"It’s not too late, prepare is the best advice I can give anybody."

Commenting on Tuesday night’s events in Westminster, in which the parliament voted to send Prime Minister May back to Brussels to renegotiate the Northern Ireland backstop, Minister Humphreys said the votes were "disappointing."

"But we are very clear that we have the full support of the EU, and that we cannot renegotiate the withdrawal agreement, it took two and a half years to put it together."

"The withdrawal agreement is the best solution we have for an orderly Brexit."

She added that going forward, the Government wants as close as possible a trading relationship with the UK.