The Institute of Export is inviting businesses involved in international trade to take part in an IOE Brexit survey and have their say on what they want to see in the UK’s exit strategy.

The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union will almost certainly see the need for new trade and compliance procedures – some of which the IOE will be able to influence.

Having canvassed views from IOE members, the Institute is opening the survey to the UK’s wider community of exporters and importers before reporting back on the results, which will inform and influence government and civil servants.

The survey asks established exporters a wide range of questions spanning various technical aspects of doing international trade – which could be affected by the deal the UK negotiates with the EU – and by subsequent deals with other countries.

Giving exporters and importers an opportunity to propose changes pertinent to their business needs, the questionnaire includes questions which centre on international customs and security procedures, export licenses and controls – and which markets the UK should prioritise making new trade deals with.

Said IOE Director General, Lesley Batchelor, OBE: “As the only professional body representing the UK’s international trade, the IOE is keen to ensure that the government listens to British exporters when negotiating with the EU over the terms of its exit.

“Following Brexit we must now start to unravel the 40 years of marriage and build a new life. This is a formative time for small and medium sized businesses to get organized and think about what they really want and need to run their businesses. Our survey enables them to help shape how future trading should work.”