It has been an incredibly difficult couple of years for businesses, large and small, having to navigate the hugely challenging impacts of Brexit, Covid restrictions, lockdowns and rapidly changing consumer behaviour all combined.
As part of Munira’s pledge to support local businesses, she has hosted a series of Business Forums. These sessions are an opportunity for business people, freelancers and the self-employed to discuss their challenges and future plans in an open and supportive environment.
Twickenham specifically, and London more generally, are wonderful places to run a business from. However, whilst there are huge opportunities, there are also great obstacles.
The latest forum focused on environmental sustainability planning and the need for clear regulation from Government. Twickenham based businesses such as The Happy Ocean Company and Carbon-Zero work with companies to support their emission reduction planning. Everyone at the session agreed there was a need for clearer regulation for Government which would enable businesses to invest with confidence.
The nightmare of claiming VAT rebates on goods and services exported to the EU was also discussed. In one of the clearest examples of how Brexit has increased costs, red tape and complexity, businesses shared their experiences of trying to navigate the new arrangements. Some have gone as far as setting up entities in the Republic of Ireland to try and circumvent the problems.
Munira’s next Local Business Forum will be held on 20th May 2022. If you would like to attend, please sign up at the following page: https://www.munira.org.uk/news/muniras-local-business-forum/