Brexit Updates

This is my archive

Opinion: Irish SMEs face a once in a generation challenge irrespective of what form Brexit takes

Joe Aherne,CEO of Leading Edge Group in Cork, suggests that SMEs need to make significant productivity gains and that Brexit, in whatever form it eventually takes, poses a once in a generation challenge for small business.     While the media focus has been firmly trained on the growing probability of a hard Brexit, the fact remains that the UK’s departure from the EU represents bad news for Irish business regardless of how it comes about. Read More

Top 10 Perils of a Hard Brexit

Whilst there is no question that Britain is set to leave the UK, the manner in which it will leave remains to be seen. The number one point of debate is whether it will be a “soft Brexit,” implying the retention of some trade links, freedom of movement and cultural ties with continental Europe, or whether it be a “hard Brexit,” which would mean complete separation from the structures of the EU. Read More

How can Irish industry protect itself from Brexit?

News of Brexit has sent shockwaves through Irish industry, with many businesses bracing themselves for the difficulties and uncertainty that lie ahead. With negotiations on the horizon, and the UK political landscape in disarray, it can be hard to predict with any level of certainty what kind of climate businesses are going to face. Read More

Get Your Business Brexit-Lean

Attended a Brexit event on Friday organised by InterTradeIreland and Cork Chamber. There was a huge attendance which reflected the anxieties of a lot of companies at the event. The CEO of InterTradeIreland, Thomas Hunter McGowan, quoted from a recent survey with some startling responses: 98% of firms had no plan for Brexit 91% of cross border traders had no experience of dealing with tariffs 25% expect sales to drop, rising to 42% for those in manufacturing Read More

Impact of Brexit on Irish agri-food industry

The UK’s decision to leave the EU has prompted fear and doubt within various sectors of the Irish economy, particularly in that of the agri-food sector. While the full extent of Brexit cannot be quantified at this stage, there are some facts which pose major threats to Anglo-Irish trade relations. At present, Ireland and the UK enjoy a largely symbiotic trade relationship thanks to the Common Travel Area (CTA) which allows ease of movement of both people and goods. However, as Britain leaves the EU and consequently the single market, this mutually beneficial arrangement is at risk of being removed. Read More

What is the potential financial impact of Brexit on the Irish Economy?

Given the close economic and cultural ties shared by the UK and Ireland it is no surprise that Brexit could mean big changes for the Irish economy, and that the fallout for Irish businesses could be dramatic. A recent report published jointly by the ESRI and Department of Finance provides a sobering read. The report warns that Brexit will inevitably undermine Irish growth and threaten jobs and is ultimately bad news for industry. The “harder” the Brexit, the worse this will be for the Republic, and it is vital that the nations needs in terms of industry, Northern Ireland and trade be represented at the EU negotiating table. With the political climate in the aftermath of the UK election turbulent and uncertain going into talks, this is more relevant than ever. The Conservative party may have to soften their “hard” stance due to the involvement of the DUP, who will seek concessions in terms of trade and the border in Northern Ireland. A less cohesive front could result in more protracted negotiations, and it may be years before we learn what the full impact of Britain’s departure may be. Read More