Pamela McCreedy, chair of the Chartered Accountants Ulster Society led a delegation to Stormont House to meet with Colin Perry, Director for EU Exit, Legacy and Economy last month. The Chartered Accountants team presented research on business attitudes to Brexit conducted in Northern Ireland in April of this year, along with the Chartered Accountants Ireland research on the consequences of the reintroduction of a customs border on the island of Ireland. The importance of a free flow of goods and services on the island post Brexit and the difficulties for businesses, particularly agri-businesses, in implementing customs duties were stressed to
Mr Perry. The implications of Brexit on the ongoing mutual recognition of professional qualifications were also discussed.

Mr Perry and his team were receptive to the conclusions of the research, and indicated that the maintenance of supply chains and the common transit area for customs purposes were high on their and included in the UK government’s recent papers on Customs Arrangements, and Northern Ireland and Ireland. The importance of the 12.5% rate of Corporation Tax for Northern Ireland was also considered. It was agreed that the Institute and its Ulster Society would continue to stay in touch with the Northern Ireland Office to highlight issues of concern to business arising from Brexit.

The Ulster Society will also host a half-day Brexit conference in partnership with Danske Bank in Belfast on 14 November. The Conference will examine the key issues for local businesses and look at the steps leading businesses are taking to meet the challenges posed by Brexit.