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# Analysis: indecision over Brexit is bad news for retailers
- URL: https://www.birminghameastside.co.uk/indecision-over-brexit-is-bad-news-for-retailers/
- Published: 2019-03-29T14:36:16.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-14T10:04:20.000Z
- Author: Lydia Johnson
- Tags: Business, News, Politics, #Migrated-1786701253228, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-14 09:54

***The government hoped to take Britain out of the EU today, March 29th. But as Theresa May and MPs appear no closer to securing a final deal, Lydia Johnson takes a look at the impact on retailers.***

When Britain finally does leave, it will spell a disruptive period for small businesses. What exactly will it mean for them?

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/63/9b/639bf577-7ed7-44fe-8d64-ac66eaeee42e/content/images/2026/08/western.jpg)

Great Western Arcade, Colmore Row B2 5HU

No one is certain on what the future holds for independent retailers, but the proposed draft agreement gives people an idea on what a hard Brexit or no deal Brexit could look like.

#### Trading

In 2017, the [UK exported around £342 billion](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-exports-remain-at-record-high-in-the-year-to-june-2018?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk) to non-EU countries and a further £274 billion to EU countries. 

Birmingham-based **British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA)** have already released their thoughts on how Brexit could affect retailers.

A spokesperson for BIRA said: *"There will be changes to UK-EU trade at the border. This will include customs, trade tariffs and VAT, safety and security for goods, and document requirements. You'll need to register for an EORI number - the Operator Registration and ID number - to keep your products moving across the border."*

If the UK and EU come to a withdrawal agreement, small businesses can expect to see a transition period. This will run until 31st December 2020, during which little will change.

![](https://assets3.parliament.uk/iv/main-large//ImageVault/Images/id_24394/scope_0/ImageVaultHandler.aspx.jpg)

The implications of Brexit for the trade relationship between the UK and EU are still not finalised (www.parliament.co.uk)

#### Employment

**The Federation of Small Businesses** (FSB) chairman **Mike Cherry** believes the impact of Brexit on retail will be based on **how** the UK leaves the EU:

*“Brexit-related uncertainty is causing a serious skills shortage right across the country. If we crash out of the EU, those shortages will become more acute.”*

Longer term, there may be the introduction of yearly work visas for low-skilled immigrants or getting rid of the current cap on the number of highly skilled immigrants.

The FSB [has provided its members with a small business Brexit pack](https://www.fsb.org.uk/standing-up-for-you/brexit/introduction?ref=birminghameastside.co.uk)**.**