The UK’s preparations for post-transition truly went up a notch this week with several key government announcements about the country’s preparations for trade with the EU after December 2020.

Included among them on Wednesday was a new £50m funding pot for businesses to train, recruit and buy IT software for completing customs declarations.

Our readers’ interest was also piqued by progress in the UK-Japan talks and the latest arguments over the government’s state aid plans.

Most read articles this week

1. Five key international trade announcements from government this week (and it’s still only Tuesday…) »

2. Dominic Cummings argues for light-touch UK state-aid regime, despite EU objections »

3. Government customs grants issued “on a first come, first served basis” – firms urged to apply fast »

4. UK firms streamline customs procedures to prepare for post-transition trade with the EU »

5. UK close to first post-Brexit trade deal with Japan – but agreement may resemble ‘more of the same' »