96% of businesses along the border are not prepared for Brexit

by Gráinne Connolly

Last Thursday a conference took place at the Lough Erne Resort in Fermanagh, focusing on the impact of Brexit on the border regions. 

Representatives from 11 border councils and various chambers of commerce attended the event, with SDLP councillor and chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Mary Garrity opening the event.

Reported in the Tyrone Herald, Aidan Gough from Inter Trade Ireland provided a presentation with striking figures. 

It was revealed that only 4% of local businesses in border areas are preparing for Brexit; the other 96% have yet to actively start preparing. 

When speaking about cross-border trade, he said that 177,000 lorries, 200,000 vans and 1.85 million cars now cross the border every month, with trade goods and services worth around €3 billion every year. 

He went on to say that trading has been growing every year since the Good Friday Agreement. 

It particularly delivers real value for small businesses across the whole island of Ireland; and that it's those small businesses who will need support in adjusting to new trading relationships. 

Councillor Mary Garrity suggested the conference be used as a wake up call for businesses and start preparing for Brexit as the outcome is still unknown. 

She also stated that the council must play a role to ensure that action is taken and to protect the business people in the district.