Brexit negotiations must focus on getting the best possible deal for UK business, according to bosses.

In the five weeks since the historic vote, East Midlands Chamber and British Chambers of Commerce have canvassed opinions from company owners, directors and managers about what they want to see from Britain’s exit strategy.

The principles that businesses say must guide the negotiations can be broken down into five headings:

Trade

• Businesses want to be consulted throughout the process to ensure the interests of smaller firms get the same recognition as the multinationals and to ensure the final agreement is bespoke to UK needs.
• Business leaders want Government to make sure it works with non-EU countries to ensure transitional arrangements exist for immediately after the UK’s exit and that they are clearly communicated.
• They also want a revitalised and expanded trade mission programme, with generous Government support, to boost exporter confidence and build links with key partners.

Labour

• Businesses want immediate clarification on the post-exit residency rights of workers from other EU countries, clarity on the rules governing recruitment from other EU countries during exit negotiations and beyond and a future immigration policy that will allow businesses to continue to recruit from the EU with minimal bureaucracy, cost or barriers.

EU Funding

• Maintaining UK access to the European Investment Bank is described as critical for major infrastructure and utilities projects, business maintain.
• They also want immediate Treasury guarantees for all projects currently in hand but co-funded by the EU to 2020.

Regulation

• EU regulation continues to be a bugbear of business but leaders have said they are keen to keep in place, at least in the short-term post-exit, any rules and regulation in which they have already invested time and money.
• They are also calling for possible full incorporation into UK law of EU regulations – up to an agreed date – to avoid a piecemeal repeal which could lead to mass uncertainty.

Taxation and Custom

• Business wants a clear transition period for complex indirect tax issues and say, for stability, it would be better to retain existing arrangements in the short-term and that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs must remain engaged in all EU-level policy discussions until the UK leaves the EU.
• Businesses also want assurances that any changes to customs and border procedures will receive “top ministerial attention” with a particular focus on the potential impact on firms and consumers.

Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber, said:-

“It is essential that, whatever the timetable, Government consults closely with business throughout the exit process to ensure that confidence is maintained at all times and UK plc is not compromised by its withdrawal from the EU.

“East Midlands Chamber is ready to work with British Chambers of Commerce and Government, to ensure the fullest possible consultation and to make sure the voice of business is not just heard but also leads on all matters during exit negotiations. Together, we can shape a great future for British business.”

The Derbyshire Times Business Awards return to Chesterfield this November 10. Nominations are now being taken for the awards, which aim to recognise and celebrate the very best in local business and commerce.

Entries can be submitted for any business within Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, across all sectors from both small and larger organisations. The awards span across a range of categories from Small Business of the Year to Customer Service Award, Retailer of the Year to the most sought after 2016 Business of the Year Award

Winners from last years awards include Custom Solar, Spire Recruitment, Banner Jones, Franke Sissons and Northern Tea Merchants who were crowned 2015 Business of the Year.

The high profile awards, sponsored by a range of Chesterfield business including BHP Chartered Accountants, The University of Derby, Shorts Chartered Accountants, Learning Unlimited and Mitchells Chartered Accountants, offer organisations a platform to celebrate their success whilst providing an opportunity raise their profile and enhance their reputation.

More information and entry forms can be found by clicking here. Final entries must be made by September 12 and those shortlisted will be announced on October 27.

 

Two years after they first rented space in Chesterfield Antiques Centre, Bob & Wendi Lindsay have recently bought the centre.

The Antique Centre has over 50 dealers renting spaces and cabinets over 2 floors and the newly taken over Grey’s Café serves Barista Coffee, Teas & snacks in a contemporary setting.

The centre sells Antiques and Vintage including collectables like Star Wars figures to Die Cast Vehicles to Beswick and Doulton, names such as Moorcroft, Clarice Cliff & Royal Worcester. Vintage Jewellery & Silver. Exquisite tea sets, furniture and stylish accessories. Vintage clothing, vinyl singles and LP’s, militaria,  medals and mantiques! African tribal masks and handcrafted items, ephemera including Edwardian postcards, luggage and much more!

Wendy Lindsay said ” We  love our hometown of Chesterfield and the Flea Market on Thursday which is a stroll away from the centre! Buying and selling antiques is very addictive and a real buzz! Young and old visit the centre with a big trend for the younger generation wanting a piece of history or the vintage and retro look in their homes!”

International craft supplies company, Crafter’s Companion, has unveiled its plans to open a new retail outlet in Chesterfield this September.

The new store, which will be housed within the Dobbies Chesterfield Garden Centre and Shopping Village, represents a £250K investment from the company and is expected to create 14 new jobs in the area.

Focusing on education, enjoyment and inspiration, the 5,500 sq ft outlet will include themed shopping areas covering papercraft, arts, sewing, home décor and haberdashery, along with demonstration areas for workshops and group sessions.

The outlet will give both craft enthusiasts and people who are trying the hobby for the first time the opportunity to learn about craft and get to know the brand.

Sara Davies, who founded Crafter’s Companion in 2005, is hoping that the store will make a positive addition to the centre, which already has an established presence within the local community and attracts customers from as far afield as Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester and Leeds.

She said:

“Dobbies is a great brand and renowned for providing quality products to loyal customers. Naturally we are thrilled to be partnering with them on this project and hope that it’s the start of a great relationship.

“The company’s established retail presence and customer demographics fit perfectly with our own, making Chesterfield the perfect location for us. We’re sure our store can help to attract even more customers from the catchment area and craft enthusiasts from further afield.”