The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and the Construction Products Association (CPA) are to lead one of the four workstreams within a dedicated Brexit Working Group set up by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in advance of the expiration of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020.
The formation of the CLC Brexit Working Group was announced ealier this week. The group will advise the government on how to protect construction if no deal is agreed between the UK and the EU by the end of the year. It will also signpost business guidance and information to assist construction industry preparedness to maintain business continuity at the end of the transition period.
The BMF will co-chair the Movement of Goods and Materials workstream along with the Construction Products Association. The two organisations also co-chair the CLC’s Product Availability Group, set up in the wake of COVID-19.
Movement of Goods and Materials will cover preparing for the new customs regime, guidance on WTO rules in the event of no agreement with the EU and alternative sourcing opportunities in the rest of the world and the domestic market.
John Newcomb, Chief Executive of the BMF, said: “The four workstream areas are critical for business continuity following the Brexit transition period, and the Movement of Goods and Materials is particularly relevant for the building materials sector.
“The BMF will also be helping members keep abreast of changes through a dedicated Brexit landing page on our website. This will go live in September and will host guidance and advice produced by ourselves, the CLC, government and other relevant bodies, to help prepare merchants and manufacturers for changes in our trading relationship with the EU.
“This information will also be included in our regular sector Forums and will be covered in online seminars hosted by the CLC in the Autumn.”
The CLC’s Brexit Working Group has been welcomed by Government. Nadhim Zahawi MP, Minister for Business and Industry, said: “The construction industry is a key part of the UK economy, and I am grateful for the ongoing hard work and support the CLC continues to provide, helping to ensure the sector can take the actions needed to ensure a smooth transition from 1 January 2021.”
